US Representative Tim Burchett (R‑Tenn.) has threatened to summon Netflix executives to testify before Congress amid a backlash over a transgender character in the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park.
Speaking on right‑wing commentator Benny Johnson’s podcast, Burchett was asked whether he would back congressional scrutiny after a clip of the show’s trans character, Barney, went viral. He responded that he planned to investigate which committee could call Netflix leadership to testify.
“Here’s what I want to do on this one because the First Amendment and all that is involved in it. I’m gonna follow up with my folks, after we get off. I’m gonna call them and say ‘Which committee can they be brought in front of’,” Burchett said.
He suggested regulators such as the Federal Communications Commission might have a role — but admitted uncertainty over whether the show, distributed via streaming, falls under the FCC’s remit. He said he wanted to “find out what their agenda is, and why they’re pushing this stuff,” and noted the show’s reported popularity.
Burchett went on to accuse the series of actively influencing children, saying of the trans representation: “That is recruiting. That is grooming, that is the worst of the worst because they’re taking young minds, and they know they can do that.”
He also claimed some gay people were upset about being “lumped in” with the “fight” for trans rights.
The controversy has been amplified by right‑wing activists and social accounts. In recent weeks, conservative groups such as Libs of TikTok and Gays Against Groomers have criticised the show, calling it an example of “pushing trans ideology.” Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk told his followers on X/Twitter that he had cancelled his Netflix subscription after the social media uproar.
Dead End: Paranormal Park, created by Hamish Steele, ended two years ago but the character has re‑emerged in viral clips. Actor Zach Barack, who voiced Barney — a gay, trans teen who becomes a security guard at an amusement park with a haunted house — responded to the backlash by saying the role had “saved lives.”
Netflix has not been confirmed as having received a congressional subpoena or formal request; Burchett said he planned to follow up with his staff on which committee could pursue such action.
