The return of Mrs Brown’s Boys has once again divided viewers — and this time, the backlash is louder than ever.
The fifth full-length series of the long-running BBC sitcom kicked off on Friday night, but it didn’t take long for social media to erupt. While the show has long had a devoted fanbase, critics branded the new episode “painful,” “outdated,” and “embarrassing.”
One viewer took to X (formerly Twitter) to say: “Worst programme in human history. Should’ve never been commissioned.” Another added: “I don’t know anyone who finds this remotely funny.”
Despite peaking at over 11 million viewers in its early years — particularly around its Christmas specials — ratings have steadily declined. Its last Top 10 Christmas Day finish was back in 2020.
Brendan O’Carroll, who plays the foul-mouthed Irish matriarch Agnes Brown, has remained defiant in the face of criticism. In a recent interview, he responded to the backlash with: “The ones that love me, I love them. The ones that don’t? F** them.”*
Adding to the controversy, O’Carroll was embroiled in a racism row during 2023 Christmas special rehearsals. Though he later apologised and said the joke was taken out of context, the incident left a mark — and some viewers haven’t forgotten.
Friday’s episode marks a new chapter for the show, but the question remains: can it win back mainstream audiences, or is its time up?
Mrs Brown’s Boys is available now on BBC iPlayer.
