Gogglebox viewers angry over coverage of the Queen’s death

After a week of processions, queues and a new King who has issues with pens, some Gogglebox viewers looking for a reprieve from mourning the Queen were left furious with Channel 4's coverage in its most recent episode.

In a show which involves watching people watch TV it makes sense that there would be some focus on current events, whether in the form of the latest new BBC drama or some news coverage that has gripped the country.

Such an event took place with the death of the Queen on 8 September, but when Gogglebox returned for its latest series the following day, there was no mention of her passing.

This week has felt like no other. What does stay the same is a new Gogglebox show on Friday night. Decided on a black and white photo this time, feels more appropriate. Hope you can watch, 9pm tonight, Channel 4. #Gogglebox #GoggleboxReady pic.twitter.com/iCmQYZN0Cv

— Simon Minty (@simonminty) September 16, 2022

Some viewers were happy to take their minds away from the sad events, with Channel 4 explaining the first episode aired 'as planned' to bring a 'valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers', but the reprieve didn't last long as the second episode threw viewers right back into the depths of mourning.

Despite more than a week having passed since the Queen's death, the cast of the show were filmed reacting to the announcement of her passing all over again, prompting many of them to start tearing up.

Speaking to best friend Lee, Jenny commented: "When she first took over, she said be it a long reign or a short reign, she would work till the end. And that's what she did."

Another devastated member of the cast was Mary, who declared the UK no longer has a female 'role model'. Her grief was no surprise, given that she announced her own mourning period following the death of Prince Philip, but it all proved too much for some.

Without a physical Channel 4 representative sat in front of them, viewers took to Twitter to vent.

Praying that the entire show isn't just this. I want to escape Mourn Hub please. #Gogglebox

— Mari (@marilivetweets) September 16, 2022

"#Gogglebox for f*cks sake can we not have an hour without mentioning the f*cking Queen!!!," one unimpressed viewer wrote, while another commented: "Praying that the entire show isn't just this. I want to escape Mourn Hub please."

A third viewer implied there should have been some reactions shown from people who weren't so invested in the Queen, writing: "Would have liked some differing opinions, not outright hate but some people who understand that queeny was nothing special, didn't even know you existed and quite frankly isn't really worth me having a cancer appointment cancelled for her funeral but OK you lot cry."

There were at least a few people who enjoyed the coverage, with some declaring they were tearing up along with the cast as they watched the news about the Queen's death, but the others made clear that a good old bit of Bake Off or the Masked Singer would have been more appreciated.