December 25th 2024.
Every year, millions of viewers tune in to watch the popular show, Mrs Brown's Boys, during the Christmas season. Curious about its appeal, I decided to give it a chance a few years ago. However, after only 10 minutes, I found myself struggling to understand why people enjoy it so much. The constant slapstick humor, overused laugh track, and excessive swearing turned me off from the show. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
My opinion was not unique - critics have long deemed Mrs Brown's Boys as the "worst comedy ever made." How the live studio audience and viewers at home manage to stay entertained is a mystery to me. But this year, my confusion reached a new level.
While I may not have been a fan of the show, I was even more shocked to see it included in this year's primetime schedule. This decision felt like a slap in the face, especially considering the actions of the show's main star earlier this year. It seemed like this should have been the final nail in the coffin for Mrs Brown and her family.
For those unfamiliar with the show, it centers around a foul-mouthed matriarch from Dublin and her family and friends who constantly visit her for chaotic and "hilarious" moments. However, in October of this year, it was reported that the show's creator and star, Brendan O'Carroll, made a racial remark during rehearsals. This led to a Black staff member quitting and the BBC launching an investigation.
In an attempt to explain himself, O'Carroll stated that it was a "clumsy joke" made in character as Mrs Brown and that he deeply regretted it. Despite this incident causing outrage and calls to cancel the show, rehearsals resumed and the show continued as planned. The BBC stated that they are against all forms of racism, but it was disappointing to see them not take a stronger stance.
As someone who was already not a fan of the show, this incident solidified my decision to not support it. It was disheartening to see the show's lack of diversity and how one man's actions had a negative impact on a junior staff member's career. It was clear that the corporation was protecting a big name at the expense of others, which is not acceptable.
This was not the first time O'Carroll had made controversial remarks about race. In 2022, he appeared in a film with American comedian Tyler Perry and made a similar "joke" about a Black person auditioning for the show. It was uncomfortable to witness, and it showed a lack of understanding and empathy towards diversity.
It is not surprising that the BBC faced criticism for continuing to air Mrs Brown's Boys, especially during the holiday season. As the national broadcaster, they should be setting an example and promoting diversity and inclusivity. By allowing this show to continue, they are sending a message that offensive behavior is acceptable and that they are not truly representative of modern Britain.
Despite the controversy and scandal surrounding the show, it will still be watched by some this Christmas. But to me, the biggest joke is that the BBC is still allowing it to air. As we move towards a more inclusive and accepting society, it's time for the BBC to take a stand and make a change.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
