The National Television Awards (NTA) announced its Best Comedy winner on Tuesday night, with the controversial series Mrs. Brown's Boys taking home the prize. The decision quickly generated significant backlash from viewers who expressed their dismay on social media, questioning how the show beat out other nominees, including the critically favored Amandaland.
Viewers on X, formerly Twitter, voiced their surprise and disappointment. "Best comedy. I know we're not exactly in a golden age of British comedy but how did that beat Amandaland?" one user posted. Another commenter suggested the public vote reflected broader societal issues, stating, "Mrs Brown's Boys winning best comedy at the National Television Awards is precisely why Burnham won't be calling an early general election - this country absolutely cannot be trusted to vote."
Mrs. Brown's Boys, which stars Brendan O'Carroll as the meddling matriarch Agnes Brown, has been a long-running BBC series since its debut in 2011. Despite its continued award recognition, the show has faced criticism in recent years. Its 2023 Christmas special received negative reviews, with some viewers calling it "woeful" and "unfunny." The New Year's Day special also drew criticism, leading to public calls for the show to be axed. Ratings for the 2024 Christmas special reportedly hit a low of 2.2 million viewers, a stark contrast to the 11.5 million who watched the 2013 special.
Brendan O'Carroll, 70, was absent from the awards ceremony as he is recovering in the United States following surgery for a broken jaw. A crew member accepting the award on his behalf conveyed his well wishes, stating, "Brendan's in Florida recovering from an operation so all love to you Brendan and get well soon. Behind every great man is a great woman, so love to Jenny as well."
Fiona Gibney, a show star, confirmed O'Carroll's recovery, saying he FaceTimed to celebrate the win and is "doing well." She added that he was "sad to not be here" as it is one of his "fave nights." The cast expressed their delight, emphasizing the importance of the NTA award as it is voted on by the public. They noted that they frequently hear from fans on tour about how they enjoy the Christmas episodes.
O'Carroll's surgery has also led to the cancellation of the upcoming Mrs. Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's specials, as well as its touring stage show. In a statement, O'Carroll expressed his regret over the cancellations, citing medical advice. He apologized to fans for any disappointment and stated his intention to focus on his recovery, looking forward to returning in 2027. "Our fans mean the world to us," he said, promising that Agnes Brown and her family "will be back."
Amandaland, a spin-off of the BBC series Motherland starring Lucy Punch, had been considered a strong contender for the award, having previously won the Best Scripted Comedy Bafta in May.
