ITV Criticized for Trigger Warning on Midsomer Murders

ITV has faced backlash for placing a trigger warning regarding 'witchcraft' on a 2004 episode of their long-running series Midsomer Murders, titled 'The Fisher King'. Critics, including Mark Littlewood of the Popular Conservatives, have described the warning as 'risible' and questioned its necessity, arguing it may patronize viewers by implying they cannot handle the episode's content. The episode features a haunted Celtic sword and multiple murders, yet viewers find it baffling that witchcraft is singled out among the show's numerous violent themes. Some former cast members, like Anton Lesser, expressed skepticism about the motivations behind such warnings, suggesting they are unnecessary for a well-known crime drama. ITV maintains that their intent is to provide appropriate guidance for potentially sensitive content, although some are concerned about the growing trend of such disclaimers. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the role and effectiveness of trigger warnings in media.