Gogglebox

I still think it's one of the most watchable programmes on television, it's not only a good look at people lives in the best spirit of reality TV, but you've got this great round up of the weeks telly and you can discover some things you wouldn't choose to watch because of it.

I think the show has lost some of the biggest characters in the last couple of years and there has been a real failure to replace them, namely Scarlet's family and Steph and Dom and it seems to be relying on the core of the original dull south east families.

I know it's not always easy to replace people like this who turn out to be a surprise characters but it seems like the programme has totally failed to try, there are no families who really stand out and it feels like it's had it's best days.

Think there needs to be a serious casting attempt to improve things.

Wondered if anyone else feels this true?

I stopped watching it a couple of years ago, so I suppose you could take that as confirmation that it's not as good as it was a few years back.

For me, I just felt everyone acted up to the cameras far too much and it all just felt really false by the end. That's my main issue with it.

I guess that's true of all reality formats though which is what at it's heart it is.

Gogglebox worked for a few series, then C4 wanted more, the participants became more well known and that lost the uniqueness of the format for me.

It's one of those frustrating formats that C4 along with One Born Every Minute and 24 Hours in A&E that are no longer worth watching as they've exhausted them with too many episodes and ridiculous runs. (See Holby and Casualty to see why it's cheaper to produce more episodes).

They do need a stand out family since the loss of Scarlett and Sandy - as much as I love Sandra, it's not the same with her daughter.

On top of this, the obsession with reviewing party political broadcasts was on Digital Spy earlier in the week as a lot of viewers have complained about it. I agree with this. The series finale had 2 or 3 PPBs in it. I understand it's reflecting what's currently happening, but it's a bit overkill.

Your right, it's something Channel 4 always seem to do where they get a hit format and have it on constantly until it burns out and either nobody watches it or it disappears with a whimper. Chatty Man, Big Brother, Big Fat Gypsy Weddings, Shameless, Skins and even daytime shows like Deal or no Deal appear popular they increase episodes and it seems to be never off the air. The same will happen shortly with Gogglebox, First Dates, The Last Leg and 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown.

I would expect they are obliged to do all the main parties (as opposed to just 1 or 2), by election rules. Hence cramming them in at the end of the run.
I don't mind them, it's a bit different. I find the endless BGT/X Factor viewings tiresome, although I guess they are the family shows people would watch in those circumstances.

I'd like to hope that with Jay Hunt leaving, C4 will stop the frustrating practice of exhausting formats. When BB moved to C5, C4 promised to invest in other formats, but instead of BB, there's a constant loop of similar formats on for most of the year.

The Crystal Maze is returning!!! Which is an excellent format to return!!! The GBBO, however, was an excellent format but has now been butchered by Channel 4.

I think you are in the wrong forum, mate.

No he's on the right forum and is making a point about Channel 4. Some of us have waited our whole lives for this to happen and it's very exciting for most of us.

I don't agree GBBO has been butchered through, as it remains to be seen until it is seen.

I'm quite a latecomer to Gogglebox but of the old guard I'm only really a fan of Giles and Mary. Don't see anything special about Steph and Dom while of the families that have been there since I started watching only really rate the Michaels, Saddiquis and Malones. I think a show like Goggle box needs more fresh blood really rather than less and most of the recent additions I'be found quite watchable.