UPDATE: The New Year’s Day special of Mrs Brown’s Boys has ignited a firestorm of reactions online, just moments into its broadcast on January 1, 2025. Viewers are expressing sharp divisions over the comedy’s latest installment, following its underwhelming performance on Christmas Day, where it attracted only 1.6 million viewers, failing to make the top 10 most-watched programs.
The 2024 Christmas Day episode saw a decline from last year’s 2.2 million viewers, representing a stark drop from the show’s peak audience of 11.5 million in its inaugural Christmas special in 2013. This year’s storyline features chaos as Agnes, played by Brendan O’Carroll, and her crew brace for an incoming storm, alongside a birthday parachute jump and a lost nun seeking assistance.
Social media erupted almost immediately as viewers flocked to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their strong opinions. One user declared, “GET MRS BROWN’S BOYS AXED,” while another lamented, “I swear every shot of Cathy in #MrsBrownsBoys is blurred slightly, even in HD. It’s like watching on VHS.” Criticism flowed in, with comments labeling the show as “unfunny drivel” and describing it as “a load of s****.”
In stark contrast, some fans defended the series, insisting it remains a cherished part of holiday television. One supporter stated, “Still a staple of Christmas and New Year’s TV,” while another praised the special effects, saying the New Year episode is “so much better than Christmas.”
Despite the backlash, many fans rallied to the show’s defense, advising detractors to simply “switch channels.” One passionate viewer retorted, “If you don’t like it, change the f***ing channel and move on. Stop ruining it for the people who enjoy it.”
As the debate unfolds, the Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year Special is now available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. The viewer response highlights a significant cultural divide, reflecting the show’s long-standing, yet contentious, place in British comedy.
For those interested in the latest developments on television and entertainment, stay tuned as viewer reactions continue to evolve.
