Released in 1988, the original Heathers pre-dated the Columbine shootings by more than a decade, a lengthy span of insulating time that might explain why its ’80s take on satirical high school gun violence is still capable of provoking as many laughs as horrified grimaces. Its upcoming TV successor series, originally set to arrive on the Paramount Network next week, lacks that welcome distance from actual tragedy, though, and so it’s not surprising to hear that Paramount has decided the show is going to be delayed in the wake of the recent school shootings in Parkland, Florida.
Paramount released the following statement today, explaining the move:
Paramount Network’s original series Heathers is a satirical comedy that takes creative risks in dealing with many of society’s most challenging subjects ranging from personal identity to race and socio-economic status to gun violence. While we stand firmly behind the show, in light of the recent tragic events in Florida and out of respect for the victims, their families and loved ones, we feel the right thing to do is delay the premiere until later this year.
The network hasn’t announced yet when it feels it’ll be safe for the show to actually make its damage known.