The Trump administration is facing new calls to scrutinize Netflix’s children’s programming amid growing concerns over LGBTQ-themed content, particularly as the streaming giant eyes a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The push is being led by Concerned Women for America (CWA), a conservative activist group that warns Netflix is advancing what it describes as an “anti-child, anti-family agenda” through its kids’ shows. According to reporting cited by Pink News, the group is urging federal regulators to factor content standards for children into any merger discussions involving Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.
CWA released a report on December 8 asserting that children’s entertainment has been “infiltrated by adult preoccupations with sexual preferences and gender identity,” accusing Netflix of injecting identity politics into programming intended for young audiences.
“We knew that Netflix aired this kind of programming, but our study quantifies how many children’s programs are subverted by LGBTQ messaging and themes,” said Penny Nance, CEO and president of CWA. “These are shocking numbers, and most parents are unaware.”
Nance warned that a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would significantly expand the company’s influence over family entertainment, raising the stakes for parents.
“With Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, families must beware that Netflix will be able to expand its irresponsible approach to content moderation for children,” she said. “Government should make that part of the conversation of this merger.”
Nance called for the creation of an independent oversight council to represent parents’ interests and review program ratings, arguing that current standards fail to adequately inform families about the content their children are consuming.
In comments to The Washington Times, Nance emphasized the broader market impact of such a merger, noting that Netflix’s expanded catalog — including major franchises like Harry Potter — would make the platform difficult for families to avoid.
“But the fact that Netflix actively drives the expansion of LGBTQ+ themes into children’s programming should make both parents and government regulators pause to consider the consequences of such a distortion of the market,” she said.
According to CWA’s analysis, 33 percent of Netflix’s children’s programming ratings categories contain LGBTQ-related content. The report further claims that 41 percent of G-rated series and TV-Y7 programming include such themes, while 24 percent of TV-Y7 shows feature what the group describes as “very explicit” gay content.
CWA also highlighted the trend of rebooting or reviving classic children’s shows — including The Magic School Bus, She-Ra, Power Rangers, and The Fairly OddParents — with newly introduced LGBTQ characters, despite the absence of such themes in the original versions.
Critics argue that these changes represent a deliberate effort to normalize ideological messaging in content originally designed to be neutral and broadly accessible for children. As merger discussions continue, pressure is mounting on the Trump White House to determine whether content oversight should play a role in federal review of the deal.
