“Hamilton” Nixes F-words to Score PG-13 Rating

Roxanne Powell • Jul 31, 2020

The moment fans have been waiting for is finally here— “Hamilton” is coming to Disney+ ! Fans of the Broadway favorite that “uses hip-hop to tell the story of founding father and America’s first treasury secretary Alexander Hamilton” have been clamoring for a televised version for years, and it’s finally a reality.

You thought it was quiet uptown? Not after fans got a hold of the news!

The historically based show has been hailed a masterpiece for Lin-Manuel Miranda. From its costumes to its musical lyrics, the show is visually stunning and the king of all earworms. But, as most fans will attest, Miranda does not shy away from language—with three instances of the F-word throughout the musical. By making “Hamilton” available on Disney+, Miranda’s hit show must abide by the ratings system set forth by the Motion Picture Association (MPA). This means that the musical’s iconic lyrics, though fun to sing at home, must be censored for a wider viewing audience.

Lin-Manuel Miranda confirmed on Twitter that two swear words were censored in order to get a PG-13 rating. “In Yorktown, there’s a mute over “I get the f___ back up again” he wrote, adding that the other line is now, “Southern *record scratch*kin’ Democratic Republicans.”

According to the MPA website, any type of content containing more than one strong expletive gets at least a R rating: “A motion picture’s single use of one of the harsher sexually derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating.”

Based on the Ron Chernow book of the same name, “Hamilton” has won many awards, including 11 Tony Awards (2016) and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. While it is heralded as a modern breath of fresh air on Alexander Hamilton’s history, it is also applauded for casting Black, Latino, and Asian American actors for its original cast.

Grab some popcorn and a seat on the couch, it’s showtime!

Share this post

Share this post

Related Posts

By Spherex 16 Apr, 2024
"The only way you can predict the future is to build it." - Alan Kay
By Spherex 08 Apr, 2024
Technology continues to drive change and opportunity.
By Spherex 27 Mar, 2024
Santa Clara, CA (March 27, 2024 ) — Spherex , a global technology and data company serving the Media and Entertainment industry, will showcase Spherex AI ™, its pioneering AI platform for video content compliance and analysis, at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas from April 13 to 17. The Spherex AI ™ platform empowers content owners to adapt their narratives for the broadest international audience while avoiding regulatory restrictions and censorship barriers. Spherex will be exhibiting at Booth W2217 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Spherex AI ™ drastically reduces the time and resources required for video content localization, mitigates the risk of cultural insensitivity or noncompliance, and enables creators to accelerate expansion and reach the right audience faster, cost-effectively, and without brand risk. The platform scans film, TV, or advertising content quickly and affordably, making it the ideal solution for verifying the suitability of any video content for any global market. “Today, content providers and streaming platforms must navigate complex regulations and cultural norms to operate successfully in different markets,” said Teresa Phillips, Co-founder and CEO of Spherex. “By seamlessly integrating sophisticated AI with cultural and regulatory insights, Spherex helps content creators, studios, distributors, and platforms unlock new markets, broaden their audiences, and increase revenue.” At the heart of Spherex AI ’s™ innovation is its proprietary AI technology, based on a decade of meticulous research and analysis of laws, regulations, and film/TV classifications in over 100 countries, as well as the screening of millions of film and TV clips for training and validation. Unlike conventional methods that employ AI and Machine Learning (ML) to identify objectionable content in a scene, Spherex uses advanced techniques to interpret the cultural context surrounding classifiable elements such as drugs, violence, sexuality, and profanity. Understanding the context is crucial because it's not just about the events happening in a video or who is involved; it's about comprehending the setting, characters, impact, and consequences. These factors are essential in determining local age ratings and cultural suitability for worldwide markets. To book a meeting with Spherex at NAB, contact Davinder Lu thra here . About Spherex Spherex is a global technology and data company transforming how media and entertainment enterprises create, adapt, and deliver film and television to audiences worldwide through AI and machine learning. With unmatched expertise in culture and regulatory compliance, Spherex works with the world's largest media companies, movie studios, networks, distributors, and streamers to build larger audiences, speed up content discovery, drive more video views, and generate higher revenue. Learn more at www.spherex.com .
05 Mar, 2024
Three Criteria to Consider When Adding Generative AI to Your Work
By Spherex 15 Feb, 2024
With the global nature of digital platforms requiring content localization, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a key tool to address these challenges by efficiently scanning, analyzing, and moderating content, thereby ensuring a safer and more culturally respectful digital environment.
By Spherex 30 Jan, 2024
Examine the tension between creative freedom and compliance in Malaysia's film industry, through the legal challenges faced by the creator "Mentega Terbang" for allegedly violating laws protecting religious sentiments.
By Spherex 12 Dec, 2023
Understand significant differences between film and TV ratings, emphasizing the complexities content creators face in preparing titles for television due to regulatory and market concerns such as commercial breaks, run-time, and cultural variations.
The complexity of ad placement today being evaluated on screen
By Spherex 20 Nov, 2023
Navigate the complexity of ad placement today with precision and insight. Unlock strategies for effective targeting and maximizing your ROI!
By Spherex 11 Oct, 2023
There is no immunity from Censorship.
Show More
Share by: