TV one hit wonders

This evening I've been watching back the first episode of Sunday Side Up/Sunday Scoop, which aired live on Sunday mornings from 10:30-12:30 in late 2013 on ITV. It was meant to be two programmes in one. Correct if I am wrong, but was this ITV's first real attempt of competing directly with Channel 4's Sunday Brunch.

The first hour was dubbed as Sunday Side Up, which was a combination of chat and entertainment - presented by Stephen Mulhern. The style of content felt very BGMT, which is not a bad thing. One of its features was a game called Sofa Superstar, in which a viewer on the phone had to act out a series of sounds (e.g. a sheep with hiccups or the Corrie theme tune) for the celebrity guests in the studio to guess.

At half 11, Stephen would hand over to the Sunday Scoop team - consisting of Kay Adams, Nadia Sawalha and various others including Peter Andre. Sunday Scoop had a mix of news, chat, and cookery. Admittedly cookery on TV is not my thing personally, but as for the chat show and topical discussions combo, it was alright. The set, I feel, was more relaxed and informal than Sunday Brunch.

Had ITV have put more investment into the programme, it could have gradually built up a bit of a following over time. Though it couldn't have continued in the two programme format as it was a bit messy - the Sunday Scoop format would most likely have taken centre stage.

I agree with you, though I thought Sunday Side Up was far better and a much more fun alternative to Sunday Brunch, feeling like a classic Saturday morning show but on a very small scale. I don’t mind Sunday Brunch but it’s hardly the most entertaining programme, its usually just the best of a bad bunch in that slot.

Sunday Side Up was great IMO. I don't think it particularly needed Sunday Scoop - maybe it's something that wouldn't necessarily be too out of place on ITVBe now?

Mulhern has a likeable personality and easily carried the format whilst it was on, such a shame it didn't last very long. As stated, a bit more investment (especially when it came to promo) and it could still be going now. With BGMT having been dropped now, there's probably room for a show like this as it was practically BGMT a bit watered down.

It was still rough round the edges but had potential to evolve into something fantastic. It really is a shame it wasn't given that chance.

The Sunday Side Up formula was definitely the most fun to watch. A bit like BGMT they weren't afraid to take the mickey out of them selves, but that's mainly down to Stephen's style of presenting. He has been one of my favourite presenters since the glory days of CITV.