This is a list of episodes from the television series, Pingu that were withheld from rotation by the Pygos Group. The Pygos Group owned the distribution rights to the Pingu library at the time, and decided to pull several episodes from the broadcast because they were deemed, too frightening, inappropriate, or violent for children. The ban has been upheld by the Pygos Group and the successive owners of the SF DRS Pingu catalog to this day, and these shorts have not been officially broadcasted on television in many countries, especially the US.
The Controversial Episodes in Season 1
Hello, Pingu/Pingu is Introduced (Episode 1)
The scene where Pingg smacks Pingu on the head and Pingu tripping on his ball is edited out by the BBC when released on VHS due to violence and it was almost going to be banned. It was removed on British television in 2003, and did not air in the United States afterwards. The scene however, is still intact on some VHS and DVD releases.
Pingu Runs Away (Episode 14)
Pingu Runs Away was placed under unofficial ban from broadcast or video distribution due to Pingu's mother spanking Pingu and Pingu running away from his house. The episode also featured some scary ice monsters which have frightened a lot of young viewers. It was also removed on British television in 2005 and was one of the few episodes pulled from American airings due to its offensive material.
Music Lessons (Episode 17)
Although there is no controversy in this episode, there are music changes. The original version contained copyrighted music and The Pygos Group didn't get permission. When it was restored and re-dubbed, the music was changed and The Pygos Group got permission by MPHC.
Little Accidents/Pingu's Lavatory Story (Episode 18)
Little Accidents was placed on official ban from broadcast or home video distribution (except the UK and Canada) due to the realistic appearance of urination, toilet humor, and alcoholic references.
Pingu's Dream (Episode 21)
Pingu's Dream was placed on unofficial ban from broadcast distribution due to the walrus being frightening for many young viewers. It was also removed on British television in 2003 and was one of the few episodes pulled from airing in the United States, it however once aired on PBS Kids Sprout in 2006.
The Controversial Episodes in Season 2
Pingu at the Doctor's (Episode 1)
Pingu at the Doctor's was placed under unofficial ban from broadcast or video distribution (except the UK and the US) due to the realistic appearance of blood. It was accidentally pushed to the second season following the "Little Accidents" incident.
Pingu's Admirer (Episode 2)
There was a mini controversy in the episode because the sign that read Perestrokia (left) and Glasnost (right) was accused of promoting both Communism and the Soviet Union.
Pingu's First Kiss (Episode 5)
This episode was banned from American television due to beak-to-beak contact was found inappropriate for children. However, the UK (and other countries as well) found it alright.
The Controversial Episodes in Season 3
Pingu Quarrels With His Mother (Episode 9)
The scene showing Pingu's mother slapping Pingu on the face is edited out by the BBC when released on VHS. This episode was removed from most American airings because of the slapping scene; however, it did air on Cartoon Network as part of the Small World block. However the episode was shown uncut on DVD, The Pingu Show, and in TV airings in Canada.
The Controversial Episodes in Season 4
Pingu and the Doll (Episode 22)
This episode was banned throughout most of North America due to Pingu stereotyping Native Americans.