Steph's Packed Lunch

At this point, viewers really don't want anymore Zoom based shows.

I think you lose some integrity in the show, doing it remotely, the opportunity to cheat would be huge.

Well you’d need to use remote studios which would rather defeat the point.

It is an interesting idea though. They’ve been doing it Stateside with 25 Words of Less.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwN9EWIs_w

Although I think it’s just the host that is remote (at home), with the others in the studio. I guess it could have been a way to keep Nick on the show when he was in isolation and they choose not go down that route which maybe tell you something... University Challenge is probably a show that would work perfectly fine going down the remote host method if they needed to.

I have to say, working from home as many of us are, I find myself turning on the telly while I have my lunch. This show is definitely the most appealing to me out of the options in this time slot! It’s not bad.

I’m guessing that’s the kind of audience they are hoping to be able to grow - the new WFH audience, rather than those who would be at home anyway and already have their established routines.

While the show has a budget for taxis to get guests on from half the country during a pandemic, they resorted to using the events manager of Somerley House who didn't have much broadcasting experience if any to do a two way with Steph showing them around the house instead of getting a presenter to go down there.

Renewed through to end of year

Excellent news for packed lunch fans, it's been recommissioned:

Am buzzing my show has been recommissioned for another series.

Thanks to my brilliant team on and off the telly 👏👏👏 https://t.co/CLaEtntiDm

— Steph McGovern (@StephLunch) February 23, 2021

All 6 of them must be delighted at that news..

Channel 4 were never going to axe it as it fills the out of London quota.

It’s growing into a decent enough programme now they’re finding their feet. I seem to be tuning in to catch more and more links delivered by her regular guests rather than Steph though.

The show was better when Helen Skelton and Richard Madeley guest hosted..

Personally, the show is much more better than This Morning and whilst the same regulars are on so much you could create your own lineup by pulling names out of hat, it's a unique lineup that you wouldn't get on other channels.

I agree with all new Phil in the sense that it's getting better now they're finding their feet and I'm glad to see it be renewed. I don't think it was a surprise that the viewing figures wouldn't be great compared to Loose Women or the BBC channels, but the niche viewership helps what makes it a nice show.