A new Disney+ series, 'Alice And Steve', has sparked controversy for its portrayal of a sexual relationship between a middle-aged man and his friend's daughter, framed as a comedy despite its unsettling themes.

The $30 million toe in the water

The series, which premiered on Disney+, has been criticized for its depiction of a 52-year-old man having a sexual relationship with his 26-year-old friend's daughter, with some calling it a 'borderline paedo wish-fulfilment fnatasy'. The show's creators have defended their work, stating that it is a comedy and that the relationship between the characters is 'intensely creepy'.

The series follows Alice,a married mother-of-two working in children's fashion, who clings to her 1990s youth through drinking and cocaine use. Her friend Steve, a 52-year-old wealthy, divorced hair stylist to the stars, has known her family for years, including her children since they were babies.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

Disney has faced criticism for its decision to air the series, with some accusing the platform of prioritizing profits over content standards... The series has been compared to BBC's 'Last Tango In Halifax',which handled an unconventional late-life romance with sensitivity and wit.

The performance by Nicola Walker, who plays Alice, is noted as competent but unable to overcome the material.. The show's creators have defended their work, stating that it is a comedy and that the relationship between the characters is 'intensely creepy'.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The identity of the person or organization behind the series remains unknown, with Disney refusing to comment on the matter. The lack of transparency has raised questions about the platform's content standards and its willingness to push boundaries .

What's at stake?

The controversy surrounding 'Alice And Steve' raises questions about the role of streaming platforms in shaping cultural norms and values. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that platforms prioritize content standards and transparency.