Fans of the streaming giant are threatening to cancel their subscriptions over a currently airing TV drama.
Inspired by the life of an adult film star, the show has stirred intense debate among viewers, particularly over some controversial scenes.
A clip from the polarizing series was briefly posted on Netflix’s official Instagram account before being swiftly taken down, after receiving a wave of negative reactions online.
One viewer expressed concern, writing: “Now we have explicit content on Netflix too? I’m canceling my subscription—my kids shouldn’t be exposed to this.”
Another added: “Isn’t this inappropriate, especially on a platform where kids can easily come across it?”
A third commented: “Are we just normalizing adult content now? It’s upsetting that there are no clear warnings for material like this, while something as natural as breastfeeding is often flagged. If Netflix insists on including this type of content, it should at least be placed in a separate category.”
“I’m not sure I like the direction Netflix is heading,” another user shared.
Someone else reflected: “It’s disappointing to see this become acceptable in today’s culture. The growing hypersexualization in media feels both discouraging and diminishing to the value of all genders.”
The platform describes the show as “the story of how Rocco Siffredi rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in the adult film industry.”
According to IMDb’s official synopsis, the series explores Siffredi’s family background, his relationships, and the circumstances that led him to pursue a career in adult films, while also grappling with the complex connection between his desires and his capacity for love.
The seven-part series, titled Supers*, stars Alessandro Borghi as Siffredi, who went on to star in over 1,500 adult films.
Francesca Manieri, the filmmaker behind the series, explained to The Independent that her aim was to challenge men to confront themselves.
She described this as addressing the “phallocentric system,” a societal framework where male identity and thought are centered around the symbol of the penis.
Her question to viewers, particularly men, was: “In 2024, how can we better understand the dynamics between men and women? And how can men face the image of their symbolic phallus and begin to deconstruct it?”
Although the film has sparked controversy, it has also received positive reviews from some critics.
Rohan Naahar writes for the Indian Times: “Borghi is captivating to watch, even when the show teeters on the edge of chaos. He brings a sense of vulnerability to Siffredi, a character who could easily have been off-putting.
What’s crucial here is that the character – or at least the version of him portrayed in the show – is quick to acknowledge his own shortcomings. This self-awareness is key to winning over the audience, as there’s nothing more alienating than seeing a reckless character who remains oblivious to the harm they cause.”
Aramide Tinubu adds in Variety: “Supers** isn’t just a deep dive into one man’s journey and career; it’s also an exploration of the lives we craft, no matter how unconventional, when we choose to live authentically.”
