Netflix Promises to Curb Smoking on its New Shows

David Harbour in "Stranger Things"

Puff, puff, pass.

Netflix has decided to take a stance against smoking following a report about how often characters in its original shows light up.

According to the anti-smoking group, Truth Initiative, the streaming service depicts smoking and tobacco products more often than shows on public television or cable, and it poses a threat to young viewers.

Particularly as one of the biggest culprits is Stranger Things which just released its third season.

“The popularity of streaming combined with the pervasive rise of smoking in episodic content points to an emerging threat to a new generation of young Americans,” the report stated.

Netflix took heed of the study and responded by saying that it would more closely monitor its content aimed at the younger generation.

“Netflix strongly supports artistic expression. We also recognize that smoking is harmful and when portrayed positively on screen can adversely influence young people,” Netflix said. “Going forward, all new projects that we commission with ratings of TV-14 or below for series or PG-13 or below for films will be smoking and e-cigarette free — except for reasons of historical or factual accuracy. For new projects with higher ratings, there’ll be no smoking or e-cigarettes unless it’s essential to the creative vision of the artist or because it’s character-defining (historically or culturally important). In addition, starting later this year, smoking information will be included as part of our ratings on the Netflix service so our members can make informed choices about what they watch.”

Well done, Netflix.