The BBC's festive schedule has once again ignited a fierce debate, with the New Year's Day special of the sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys provoking a wave of viewer anger and calls for the show to be cancelled. Many took to social media to describe the episode as 'torturous' and 'unfunny drivel', directly pleading with the broadcaster to end the long-running series.
A Festive Tradition Faces Backlash
The special, which aired on 1 January, centred on matriarch Agnes Brown, played by 70-year-old comedian Brendan O'Carroll, and her family preparing for an incoming storm. The plot involved Buster nervously awaiting a birthday parachute jump, a shock for Winnie, and a lost nun in need of help.
However, the synopsis did little to win over its critics. One disgruntled viewer addressed the show's official social media account, writing: 'Maybe time to retire. Painful to watch, ruined New Year's Day. I watched out of habit. Why am I paying a licence?' The sentiment was echoed widely, with other comments on Twitter/X including 'GET MRS BROWN'S BOYS AXED' and a fan of Match of the Day quipping that three goalless draws were 'still more entertaining than the Mrs Brown's Boys New Year's Special.'
Technical Gripes and Staunch Defenders
Some criticism even extended to the show's production quality. One viewer noted, 'I swear every shot of Cathy in #MrsBrownsBoys is blurred slightly, even in HD. It's like watching on VHS.' This backlash follows a similarly divisive Christmas Day episode titled 'Mammy's Bottles', which aimed to rediscover the meaning of family.
Despite the torrent of complaints, the show retains a loyal fanbase who rushed to its defence. Supporters praised the New Year episode as 'amazing' and described the series as 'a wildly entertaining show that never fails to make you laugh.' Others called it 'a staple of Christmas and New Year's TV' and a 'classic', highlighting the thoughtful monologues and the loveable cast.
A History of Awards and Division
Mrs Brown's Boys first aired in 2011 and has since won several awards, even spawning a short-lived live spin-off, All Round to Mrs Brown's. The show's blend of slapstick humour and sentimentality has consistently split audience opinion, making its festive appearances a perennial talking point. Both the Christmas and New Year's Day specials remain available to stream on BBC iPlayer, ensuring the debate will continue for some time.
The stark divide highlights the challenges faced by broadcasters in catering to diverse tastes with traditional holiday programming. While some viewers see it as a comforting ritual, others question its place in the modern TV landscape and the use of the licence fee.
