'Mrs Brown's Boys' Hits Rock Bottom With Dramatic Ratings Decline
The beloved BBC comedy 'Mrs Brown's Boys' has suddenly plummeted from its impressive heights, recording the lowest ratings ever for its 2024 Christmas special, which attracted only 2.2 million viewers. Created and led by Brendan O'Carroll, the show once dazzled audiences, drawing as many as 11.52 million viewers during its peak festive episode back in 2013. The new episode, titled 'Ding Dong Mammy,' showcased Mrs. Brown striving to convince her family of her good spirits, but it seems viewers weren't convinced.
This dwindling interest indicates a broader trend. Over the past decade, 'Mrs Brown's Boys' has steadily lost its audience, failing to land within the Christmas Day top 10 since 2020 when it managed to pull 3.8 million viewers. The latest data reflects not just changing viewer preferences but also suggests the impact of recent controversies surrounding O'Carroll.
Earlier this year, O'Carroll found himself embroiled in allegations of racism after he made what he described as a "clumsy attempt at a joke" during rehearsals. Unwisely hinting at using a racial slur, his comments prompted immediate backlash and led to a BBC investigation. Reports indicated this incident caused at least one Black staff member to leave the show, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The incident drew considerable media attention, forcing O'Carroll to issue apologies. He later explained to The Sun, "It raised awareness of racism," adding it was "a good thing" for the BBC as it highlighted their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy. A spokesperson from the BBC reinforced this stance, asserting they stand "against all forms of racism" and maintain "robust processes" to handle such issues.
Despite the show's declining viewership and reputational challenges, O'Carroll remains publicly proud of his affiliation with the BBC. Speaking to TV Guide, he noted, "To have [a Christmas slot] now, particularly on the BBC, I’m very proud to be part of the BBC family. It is a privilege and to have had it for 11, 12 years now." He reflected on the show's tenure and how it has grown beyond his initial commitment of 18 episodes, reaching its 51st offering this year.
Interestingly, many viewers do not share O'Carroll’s pride. Social media has been abuzz with criticism calling for the long-standing sitcom to be canceled altogether. One viewer expressed on X, "I'm so sick of seeing Mrs Brown's Boys on TV every single Christmas. Why would they air this dross and take up time for good shows?" Another user lamented, "Whoever thinks Mrs Brown's Boys is funny needs to give their heads a wobble. Please let it end once and for all." The public's sentiment reflects mounting disillusionment with the show.
With the series' viewership sinking and controversies complicate its existence, the future of 'Mrs Brown's Boys' now hinges on audience reception and perhaps the potential for change within the production. O'Carroll faces the task of reigniting interest among the public as he contemplates the direction of the show going forward. For now, the future appears uncertain for Mrs. Brown and her clan, and with viewership dropping like this, questions remain as to whether the iconic matriarch can reclaim her long-lost charm.