BBC Mrs Brown's Boys fans 'speechless' as controversial show returns for new series

BBC sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys made its return to television for the launch of its fifth complete series.

Initially broadcast in 2011, the programme established itself as a festive staple and commanded enormous audiences during its early run.

The 2013 Christmas Day episode attracted 11.52 million viewers, positioning it amongst the most-watched holiday programming of that era.

Nevertheless, audience numbers have consistently fallen. The programme last secured a place in the Christmas Day top ten during 2020, drawing 3.8 million viewers, reports the Mirror.

This follows Brendan O'Carroll recently revealing the show's future plans to supporters.

The series has consistently polarised both viewers and critics, with some social media users recently branding it the "worst ever BBC show".

Reactions on X throughout Friday's (August 1) episode featured: "Worst programme in human history should've never been commissioned" and "Just speechless... I honestly don't know one person who thinks this show is remotely funny."

Another declared: "This show needs to be axed asap. It's not one bit funny." Someone else raged: "I actually hate this show with a passion and I'm Irish and from Dublin and I GET that kind of sense of humour."

During 2023, Mrs Brown's Boys encountered additional controversy when O'Carroll used a racial slur whilst rehearsing for the Christmas special.

Production staff were allegedly "shocked" by the comment and filed formal complaints with BBC executives. The broadcaster halted filming and launched an inquiry.

O'Carroll subsequently apologised, expressing "deep regret" over what he described as a "clumsy attempt at a joke."

Speaking publicly about the matter for the first time on Irish YouTube programme Conversations With Gerry Kelly, O'Carroll insisted his remarks had been "completely taken out of context."

He also maintained that the episode ultimately proved beneficial.

"The one thing that that incident did is give great awareness about racism, and great awareness about the BBC, they don't take any messing... However, I think in the long run it was a good thing, because it got people talking about it."

O'Carroll, who has secured the National Television Award for Best Comedy six times for Mrs Brown's Boys, has made it abundantly clear he remains untroubled by criticism.

"The ones that love me, I love them, and the ones that don't, f*** them," he declared to Kelly, suggesting that those who dislike the programme should simply "pick up the remote and change the station."

Despite its declining viewership, the series retains a devoted following and remains a staple in the BBC's comedy roster.

The new series, which launched tonight, represents a new beginning for the programme as it attempts to regain some of its previous popularity amid persistent criticism.

Mrs Brown's Boys is available to watch on BBC iPlayer