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30 Rock is removing four episodes that feature blackface from streaming platforms and syndication. The episodes, two of which show Jane Krakowski‘s character in blackface, will no longer stream on Hulu or Prime Video, and will be unavailable for purchase on iTunes and Google Play, as first reported by Vulture.
The removal was requested by NBCUniversal and 30 Rock creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. The episodes will no longer air on TV either, and all are expected to be pulled permanently by the end of week. Fey addressed the blackface episodes in a letter to the platforms where 30 Rock streamed or was sold.
“As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America, we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing makeup are best taken out of circulation,” Fey wrote. “I understand now that ‘intent’ is not a free pass for white people to use these images. I apologize for pain they have caused. Going forward, no comedy-loving kid needs to stumble on these tropes and be stung by their ugliness. I thank NBCUniversal for honoring this request.”
Two of the episodes featuring Jenna (Krakowski) in blackface have been removed for at least a week. Season 3’s “Believe in the Stars” follows Tracy (Tracy Morgan) and Jenna when they swap identities to see if a white woman or black man face more daily challenges. To complete the swap, Jenna darkens her skin. The Season 5 episode “Christmas Arrack Zone” again features Krakowski in blackface, this time to dress as former Pittsburgh Steelers star Lynn Swann.
The other two episodes Universal is removing include a live episode from Season 6 showing Jon Hamm in blackface, spoofing the radio show Amos ‘n’ Andy, as well as the East Coast version of the first 30 Rock live episode in Season 5, “Live Show.”
The 30 Rock news comes a week after Netflix pulled an episode of W/Bob & David for David Cross’ blackface character. Earlier this month, Netflix UK removed The Mighty Boosh over blackface concerns, and Little Britain was pulled from Hulu, Britbox and iPlayer due to multiple episodes featuring blackface.
