A controversial sitcom is confirmed to be returning to screens in just weeks – despite pleas from viewers and scandal surrounding the show’s creator.
The slapstick BBC series, Mrs. Brown’s Boys, is due to return for its fifth season next month.
Mrs. Brown’s Boys first aired in 2011 and follows Irish matriarch Agnes Brown, played by creator Brendan O’Carroll, as she causes chaos in the lives of her six children.
The broadcaster has confirmed the sitcom is set to hit screens again on Friday, August 1 at 9.30pm on BBC One.
In an announcement, the BBC said: ‘Agnes Brown and the gang from Finglas are back!
‘Everyone’s favourite Irish Mammy returns for a brand new fifth series featuring all your favourite characters, so get ready for more slapstick shenanigans this spring!’
Controversial sitcom Mrs. Brown’s Boys is confirmed to be returning to screens in just weeks – despite viewers raging and scandal surrounding the show’s creator, Brendan O’Carroll (pictured)
The slapstick BBC series, Mrs. Brown’s Boys, is pencilled in to return for its fifth season
Mrs. Brown’s Boys first aired in 2011 and follows Irish matriarch Agnes Brown, played by creator Brendan O’Carroll, as she causes chaos in the lives of her six children
While BBC comedy boss John Petrie said: ‘Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown.
‘Mrs. Brown’s Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC’s most-watched comedies ever. I’m proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable.’
In October last year it was revealed that the Beeb had halted the sitcom to launch an investigation after a slur that Irish comedian Brendan said during rehearsals for the Christmas specials.
Brendan apologised as he told The Mirror: ‘At a read-through of the Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied.
‘It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.’
A source told The Mirror that cast and crew were stood down while the corporation ‘tried to get to the bottom of it’.
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: ‘Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism, and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.’
The return of Mrs. Brown’s Boys hasn’t been well received by some fans who took to social media to rage.
The broadcaster has confirmed the sitcom is set to hit screens again on Friday, August 1 at 9.30pm on BBC One
In October last year it was revealed that the Beeb had halted the sitcom to launch an investigation after a slur that Irish comedian Brendan said during rehearsals for the Christmas specials
One posted on X: ‘Literally no one asked for this. The BBC becoming even more irrelevant and out of touch.’
‘Why oh why is this still commissioned?? #MrsBrownsBoys not been funny in years!!!!!’
‘Dropping ratings and such bad reviews and bad comments from audience and keeps coming back like rotten smell! Give the investment to more new comedy not keep old ones past best limping on @BBC,’ someone else penned.
Another added: ‘“Oh great news” said absolutely nobody.’
‘Only the 5th series? Why does it feel like this has been annoying us all for decades,’ one said.
Though some were happy about the new season and one wrote: ‘Can’t wait loooove it.’
Someone else added: ‘Great news. The only funny thing on tv.’
Brendan apologised as he told The Mirror: ‘At a read-through of the Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied . ‘It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.’
The return of Mrs. Brown’s Boys hasn’t been well received by some fans who took to social media to rage
Though some were happy about the new season and one wrote: ‘Can’t wait loooove it.’
Back in December Brendan revealed the future of the programme amid plummeting ratings.
The festive special in 2024 saw its ratings at the lowest ever.
But despite the negative feedback, he confirmed that the show would still be returning.
Brendan told the Daily Star: ‘We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. It’s lovely to be asked to do another one.’