Key Highlights
- Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year special preview after ‘biggest switch off’ in Christmas history
- 2025 Christmas special failed to make top 10 most-viewed shows on Christmas Day with only 1.6m viewers
- Main characters include Agnes Brown, Buster, Winnie, and a lost nun
- New Year’s Day episode set for broadcast at 10:05 PM
- Viewers express dissatisfaction with the show’s traditional slapstick humor and jokes
The Decline of Mrs Brown’s Boys in Christmas Viewership
Mrs Brown’s Boys, a beloved Irish sitcom that has been on air for years, faces a new challenge as it prepares to air its annual Christmas special. In a stark contrast to the show’s past success, viewers are not tuning in during what should be its most popular time of year.
A Drop in Viewership: The Biggest Switch Off?
According to data from BirminghamLive, the 2024 Christmas Day special episode saw 2.2m viewers, a significant decrease compared to the first Christmas special in 2013, which was watched by an impressive 11.5 million viewers. This year’s special on Christmas Day brought in only 1.6m viewers, marking what many believe is the “biggest switch off” in the show’s history.
Pre-New Year’s Episode Teases Tensions and Excitement
In anticipation of New Year’s Day, another special episode will air on BBC One at 10:05 PM. The episode promises to bring high tensions as Agnes Brown (played by Brendan O’Carroll) prepares for an incoming storm with her family. Buster (Danny O’Carroll), Winnie, and a lost nun are also set to feature in this installment, adding more drama and comedy to the mix.
Viewer Reactions: Love It or Hate It
The reaction from viewers has been mixed. Some have expressed their distaste for the show’s traditional slapstick humor and jokes, with one viewer stating, “Mrs Browns Boys has never, ever, been funny,” while another added, “What’s with all the people whining about Mrs Browns Boys? If you don’t like it, change the f***ing channel and move on. Stop ruining it for the people who enjoy it.”
Continued Success Despite Challenges
Despite the viewership decline, the show has continued to receive accolades over the years, including NTAs, BAFTAs, and a TV Choice Award for Best Comedy in 2024. The New Year’s special is set to air on January 1, 2026, at 10:05 PM, with tensions running high as Agnes Brown and her family prepare for the incoming storm.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the story of Mrs Brown’s Boys in its latest festive episode. Whether you’re a fan or not, this special promises to deliver another memorable performance from the O’Carroll siblings and their extended family. The clock is ticking down, so tune in to find out what happens next.
