BBC viewers across the United Kingdom have voiced their intense displeasure and frustration following significant scheduling alterations that removed beloved prime-time quiz programmes from Monday evening's television lineup. The disruption occurred as BBC Two opted to broadcast extensive coverage of the Winter Olympics, currently taking place in Milan, instead of the traditional quiz night favourites.
Quiz Night Tradition Abruptly Cancelled
Instead of the customary Monday evening entertainment featuring intellectual challenges like Only Connect, Mastermind, and the iconic University Challenge, BBC Two dedicated its entire prime-time schedule to the Winter Olympics. Daily Olympic coverage commenced at 9am on BBC One before transitioning to BBC Two at 5.15pm, continuing throughout the evening and effectively displacing the regular quiz programming.
Viewer Backlash Erupts on Social Media
The scheduling change provoked an immediate and passionate response from disappointed viewers who took to social media platforms to express their discontent. One exasperated viewer lamented the situation, stating, "No Monday quiz night on BBC2. Sorry state of affairs…" Another individual commented on the profound disruption to their weekly routine, saying, "Not having quiz night on BBC2 tonight has completely thrown me out of kilter. All my timings are out of sync."
Further criticism emerged from viewers who, while appreciating the Winter Olympics, felt the sacrifice of their favourite programmes was unjustified. One person remarked, "I like the Winter Olympics, but I don’t like that there is no #UniversityChallenge tonight." Another expressed their irritation more colourfully, writing, "No bladdy University Challenge cos of the slipping and sliding and falling over games!" Yet another viewer seethed, "That was not good… and now there are no proper quizzes on tonight like Mastermind & University Challenge beg because of Winter Olympics!"
Olympics Coverage and New Comedy Launch
The Winter Olympics coverage on BBC Two was scheduled to conclude at 10pm on Monday, 9th February. Following this, the channel premiered a new comedy series titled Small Prophets. This programme is created and written by Mackenzie Crook, renowned for his work on The Office, and tells the comic tale of the eccentric Michael Sleep, portrayed by Pearce Quigley.
Plot Details of Small Prophets
The series follows Michael, who has been living a mundane existence since his beloved Clea vanished seven years ago, patiently awaiting her potential return. His routine consists of eating Shreddies, working at a DIY store, and visiting his father, Brian, played by Sir Michael Palin. The narrative takes a whimsical turn when Brian shares an ancient recipe involving rainwater, horse manure, and elements of alchemy.
Armed with this unusual recipe, Michael, albeit sceptically, embarks on a quest to create Homunculi—magical, prophesying spirits capable of predicting the future. His hope is that they will answer his burning question: "Will I ever see Clea again?" He receives assistance from his young work colleague, Kacey, portrayed by Lauren Patel, forming an unlikely friendship partly rooted in their shared dislike of their store manager, Gordon, played by Mackenzie Crook.
This burgeoning friendship adds to the curiosity and frustration of Michael's nosy neighbours, played by Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing, who become obsessed with uncovering the mysterious activities occurring in his garden shed. Small Prophets airs on BBC Two on Monday evenings and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
