Fans of Kin were shocked before the show even started when RTÉ included a warning revealing huge spoilers.

RTÉ cautioned viewers that the finale of the show contained “strong language throughout scenes of violence and scenes involving suicide”. 

Fans took to Twitter to complain about the reveal that “gave the whole plot away”, according to Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live.  

Loved season 2 of Kin but who in RTÉ thought it was ok to give that warning at the start of the episode & not think that it would be a massive spoiler 😩😩😩 #RTEKIN #KIN

— Rónán Hourican (@ronanhourican) May 7, 2023

“Does an adult show about gangland crime, airing past the watershed, really require this level of spoiler warning?” Andrea asked.  

Newstalk’s Mike Hogan agreed with Andrea, saying the warning “ruined” the finale for him.  

Mike said the final episode of Kin was “fantastic” with “loads of twists and turns” - but an early spoiler can spoil the mood.  

“Why, if it has to be done at all, wasn't it after the program, which to my knowledge is usually the situation with EastEnders or any other soap that's on the TV,” he said.

Sensitive issues

Mike said he understood that “the particular reference to suicide is obviously a massively sensitive issue”. 

“As people in the media we have to be so particular in that and sensitive around on it,” he said. “Give warnings and helplines.” 

“But I would think that a lot of people's experience is that they were spoiled last night,” he said. “And I would imagine the writers and the directors and the actors wouldn't be so pleased.” 

Mike said even though viewers had already guessed a certain character might die in the season finale, it wasn’t entirely clear.  

Gangland TV shows

Mike argued that a warning ahead of Kin for any negative features might be unnecessary.  

"Warning that violence and bad language in a gangland episode, that's already seven episodes in, seems a little bit daft maybe,” he said.  

Listener Colm said he completely agrees with helplines being displayed after shows, but a caution warning paints the viewers out to be “victims”.  

“The idea that people turn up hiding behind the couch eating popcorn through the splayed hands and fingers, so worried about what they might see, is just ludicrous,” he said.  

Colm argued that you “cannot protect people” from negative experiences and “if they realise it's part of real life, they tend to be stronger for the experience".