Netflix pledges to cut down on smoking scenes after criticism over Stranger Things

Variety

A new report by anti-smoking group Truth Initiative, timed for the release of Stranger Things 3, found that Season 2 had a 44% increase in smoking depictions from Season 1 -- from 182 tobacco depictions in the first season to 262 in Season 2. Other Netflix shows popular in the 15-24 age group that featured an abundance of smoking include Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (292 tobacco depictions) and Orange Is the New Black Season 6 (233 tobacco depictions, up from 45). “Netflix strongly supports artistic expression,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement to Variety. “We also recognize that smoking is harmful and when portrayed positively on screen can adversely influence young people.” Netflix also plans to include smoking information as part of its ratings service.