Great News, Teens of Australia: Ali Wong’s "Hard Knock Wife" Is Now Only Rated MA15+ on Netflix

Enjoy, 15 to 17-year-olds!

A couple weeks back, we marvelled at the hilarious Ali Wong’s new Netflix stand-up special, Hard Knock Wife. It is very, very good.

However, we were a bit confused: Why was this 65-minute set rated R18+ (meaning no one under the age of 18 could legally view it in Australia) when Deadpool 2 could get away with MA15+ (allowing anyone 15 and above to see it by themselves, or with a parent if underage)?

Sure, Ali Wong doesn’t hold back when describing sex, pregnancy and childbirth. But, in Deadpool 2, Deadpool flashes Cable his baby penis. (Please don't make us explain.) It just seemed like a double standard.

We asked the Classification Board about the rating; they revealed that Netflix is allowed to provide classifications for some of their programs, with the use of the 'Netflix Classification Tool'. However, they said they would review Hard Knock Wife's R18+ rating "to check the accuracy of the Netflix Tool’s decision."

Welp, it seems the tool wasn’t all that accurate.

After spying a rating change on Hard Knock Wife’s Netflix listing (from R18+ to MA15+) on Friday evening, we once again contacted the Classification Board.

They told Student Edge that "[the] Board viewed the film on 16 May 2018 and determined the film's correct classification should be MA 15+ with consumer advice of 'Strong crude sexual humour'."

"Under section 22CH of the Classification (Publications, Films & Computer Games) Act 1995, the Board has revoked the decision made by the Netflix tool."

So, there you have it! If you’re an under-18 fan of Ali Wong who wasn’t allowed to watch Hard Knock Wife, the Government has officially given you the green light to go enjoy it.

In fact, it’s your duty as an Australian to do so.

Photo: Netflix