Beloved British comedian Peter Kay has publicly revealed that he rejected a significant offer from streaming giant Netflix to host his classic sitcom, Phoenix Nights, on their platform. The reason? The company's insistence on placing a trigger warning before each episode.
The Netflix Offer and the 'Politically Incorrect' Stance
Kay, the 52-year-old Bolton native who co-created and starred in the series, explained the situation during an interview on Capital Breakfast. He confirmed that Netflix approached him last year with a formal proposal to add the show's 12 episodes to their vast catalogue. The early 2000s comedy, set in a fictional northern working men's club, has maintained a strong cult following since it last aired on television between 2001 and 2002.
However, the deal hit a major snag. Kay stated that Netflix intended to preface each episode with a warning, explaining that Phoenix Nights was made almost 25 years ago and reflects the comedic sensibilities of a different time. Peter Kay was not keen on this idea, telling host Sian Welby, 'Basically, it’s not very politically correct now. This was made in a [different] time, do you know what I mean?... I’m not keen on that, I don’t really want a warning before it.'
Despite reportedly being sent a complimentary air fryer by the streamer—a gesture he said he was 'grateful' for—the comedian ultimately decided to 'leave it' and keep the show off the service.
Content Concerns and a Potential Film
While Phoenix Nights was not known for highly controversial humour, it did contain mature content, earning a 15 certificate for its DVD release. Fans and commentators have pointed to specific storylines that might be scrutinised today, notably a season two plot involving two Chinese immigrants working in the club's kitchen.
In the show, Peter Kay's character, Brian Potter, notes the men 'can’t speak a word of the Queen’s English,' and they are portrayed with a poor understanding of British social customs. Some fans have since speculated that even key cast members felt this storyline was 'borderline racist' at the time of its original broadcast.
In a tantalising tease for fans, Kay also discussed the long-rumoured Phoenix Nights film. He revealed that a script is being written, but production is on hold as he is 'waiting for the de-ageing process to come into fruition.' The proposed film's storyline would involve numerous flashbacks, and Kay expressed a desire to avoid using 'really bad makeup' to make the cast look younger.
A Streaming Void for Cult Comedy Fans
The decision has significant implications for the show's accessibility. As of 2025, Phoenix Nights is not available to stream on any platform. This means Netflix's catalogue would have been a godsend for a new generation of comedy fans and those wishing to revisit the cult classic, making Kay's principled stand all the more notable.
By turning down the offer, Peter Kay has made a conscious choice to preserve the show in its original, unedited form, preferring its inherent, time-capsule nature over a modernised or caveat-laden presentation.
