Mrs Brown’s Boys is returning for a New Year’s Day special on BBC One following a disappointing Christmas Day performance. The recent Christmas episode titled “Mammy’s Bottles” attracted only 1.6 million viewers, a significant drop from previous years.
Declining Viewership for Mrs Brown’s Boys
The 2025 Christmas episode saw a dramatic decline in audience numbers compared to 2024, which had 2.2 million viewers. This drop is even more pronounced when measured against the show’s inaugural Christmas special in 2013, which garnered an impressive 11.5 million viewers.
Upcoming New Year’s Day Special
Another special episode will air on January 1, 2026, at 10:05 PM. In this upcoming show, tensions rise as Agnes Brown, played by Brendan O’Carroll, and her family prepare for an approaching storm. Viewers will meet Buster, who is excited yet anxious about a birthday parachute jump, while Winnie faces unexpected news. Additionally, a subplot involving a lost nun will unfold.
Following the New Year special, a new creation titled “Shedites” will air at 10:35 PM. This show features Paddy Houlihan as “Paddy the Liar,” who leads a group of friends gathering at a village shed for casual banter and tea.
Viewer Reactions to the Christmas Special
Reactions have been mixed regarding the Christmas episode. Some viewers expressed dissatisfaction on social media, with one commenting that the BBC faced “the biggest switch off in their history.” Others highlighted brief moments of humor but noted a general decline in quality over the years.
- 2025 Christmas Special Viewership: 1.6 million
- 2024 Christmas Special Viewership: 2.2 million
- 2013 Christmas Special Viewership: 11.5 million
Despite its award-winning history, including NTAs and BAFTAs, critics have continued to voice their dislike for the show’s slapstick humor. O’Carroll remains confident that a dedicated fan base continues to appreciate the series.
Top 10 Most-Watched Christmas Day TV Shows
| Rank | Show Title | Viewership (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The King | 6.56 |
| 2 | The Scarecrows’ Wedding | 4.31 |
| 3 | Strictly Come Dancing | 4.24 |
| 4 | Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel | 3.71 |
| 5 | Call the Midwife | 3.44 |
| 6 | Gladiators | 3.16 |
| 7 | Amandaland | 3.05 |
| 8 | EastEnders | 2.85 |
| 9 | The 1% Club | 2.75 |
| 10 | The Weakest Link | 2.63 |
With viewership figures dropping significantly, the upcoming New Year’s Day special will be crucial for rebuilding the audience’s interest.
