Super Bowl porn
The viewers in Arizona who saw more than they wanted
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
"Nipplegate had nothing on Super Bowl XLIII," said Gina Serpe in E! Online. Comcast somehow goofed with 2:47 left in the game and broadcast a 30-second, X-rated clip—from the adult channel Club Jenna—to about 80,000 subscribers watching the game in the Tucson area. Normal coverage was restored for the game's final moments, but irate viewers were already calling to complain.
"Yes, this actually happened," said TMZ. Fortunately, however, only regular cable subscribers saw the porn. A Comcast spokesman said the company was mortified at the mistake, but at least those in the area who were watching in high-definition "were spared" the surprise glimpse of full-frontal male nudity.
"Everyone's pretending to be shocked," said Owen Thomas in Gawker. But, come on. Club Jenna is just one of Comcast's many profitable spicy channels. So after the hand-wringing is over, remember: "That's how Comcast butters its bread."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Political cartoons for February 15Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include political ventriloquism, Europe in the middle, and more
-
The broken water companies failing England and WalesExplainer With rising bills, deteriorating river health and a lack of investment, regulators face an uphill battle to stabilise the industry
-
A thrilling foodie city in northern JapanThe Week Recommends The food scene here is ‘unspoilt’ and ‘fun’