The 2025 Christmas special of the long-running BBC sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys has been met with a fresh wave of criticism, described by some as the worst festive television on offer. Even dedicated fans of the show have now publicly stated they are turning it off, labelling it a 'stain on the Christmas TV calendar'.
Critics and viewers deliver scathing verdict
The divisive series, created by and starring Irish comedian Brendan O'Carroll, first aired in 2011 and has been a Christmas mainstay for over a decade. However, the latest episode, which aired on December 26, 2025, appears to have broken the patience of many. The Independent's review was particularly brutal, awarding it just one star and declaring the 'excruciating sitcom had plummeted to unimaginable new depths'. The publication questioned why the BBC continues to commission the show with public funds.
Social media reaction was equally unforgiving. One viewer, Steve, posted on X: 'Mrs Brown's Boys just isn't funny anymore,' while others argued it had never been funny to begin with. Comparisons for the viewing experience ranged from 'having a root canal without any anaesthetic' to 'watching reruns of Nicola Sturgeon's daily Covid briefings'.
A dramatic decline in audience figures
The critical mauling coincides with a stark decline in viewership. Where once the show's Christmas specials could attract audiences of up to 8.5 million, last year's episode drew only around 1.5 million viewers. This dramatic drop underscores the growing disconnect between the show and a significant portion of its former audience.
Despite the backlash, the show has its defenders. In an opinion piece for Metro this year, writer Thomas Horn argued the programme 'didn't deserve the hate', suggesting criticism was often rooted in 'snobbery'. He praised the show's heart and stated its humour doesn't 'punch down' in the way other comedies have.
What next for Agnes Brown and the BBC?
O'Carroll has previously defended the series, telling BBC Radio Sounds that comedy is subjective and that it is the fans, not the reviewers, who have kept it on air. The show is confirmed to return for a New Year's Day 2026 special, with a synopsis promising tensions, a parachute jump for Buster, and a lost nun.
The future of the series beyond this remains a topic of debate. With falling ratings and increasingly vocal criticism, the BBC faces questions about the value of this particular festive tradition. For now, Mrs Brown's Boys continues to stream on BBC iPlayer, remaining one of British television's most polarising programmes.
