Devoted fans of ITV's flagship soap operas, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, have been left incensed after learning that regular episodes will be pulled from the airwaves next week. The broadcaster has opted to replace the beloved dramas with live sports coverage, a decision that has sparked widespread discontent among viewers already adjusting to recent scheduling changes.
Schedule Disruption Sparks Viewer Backlash
The disruption comes as part of ITV's new "soap power hour" format, introduced in January 2026, which consolidated both programmes into a nightly block. Under this arrangement, Emmerdale airs at 8pm each weeknight, followed immediately by Coronation Street at 8:30pm. However, this week, the schedule will be interrupted on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
On Tuesday, the scheduled soap episodes will make way for the Arsenal versus Chelsea EFL Live football match. Subsequently, on Thursday, a Six Nations rugby clash between France and Ireland will take precedence. This means viewers will miss two episodes of each soap, adding to the reduction from six to five weekly episodes implemented earlier this year due to budget constraints.
Fan Reactions: Frustration and Disappointment
The announcement has provoked a storm of criticism on social media platforms, with many loyal viewers voicing their frustration. One fan described the decision as "stupid," noting that the new power hour format had only just begun. Another lamented, "I remember the times we used to get episodes moved to other times because of the football, but now it seems like the new standard is simply no episode at all on the sports days!"
Further complaints highlighted the cumulative impact of the changes. A viewer commented, "So they already cut all the extra episodes going from 6 to 5 per week. Now every other week it seems they lose another episode. So in 2026 how many fewer episodes will there really be compared to 2025?" Others expressed a sense of betrayal, with one stating, "This whole new schedule is a ploy to tear our beloved soap episodes away from us!" and another adding, "This is so painful. There are very few shows that I like to watch but they keep being shunted."
Historical Context and Modern Viewing Habits
Coronation Street, which debuted in 1960, and Emmerdale, which followed in 1972, have undergone numerous scheduling adjustments throughout their long histories. The number of weekly episodes has fluctuated between two and five over the decades, reflecting evolving broadcast strategies and audience preferences.
In the contemporary media landscape, ITV has emphasised the importance of streaming services. New episodes of both soaps are available from 7am on the day of broadcast via ITVX and YouTube, offering flexibility for viewers who prefer on-demand consumption. However, a significant portion of the audience still relies on traditional linear television, making schedule changes particularly disruptive for this demographic.
ITV's Rationale and Executive Commentary
ITV's decision to revise the soap schedule was outlined in a statement released last year. The broadcaster explained that the move to a five-hour weekly format, down from six hours, was designed to create a more consistent and accessible viewing experience. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, commented at the time, "The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led. We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX, and we want to present their favourite soap to them in the most digestible way."
Lygo further elaborated on the strategic thinking behind the changes, stating, "In a world where there is so much competition for viewers' time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows." He also highlighted the benefits of 30-minute episodes for pacing and storytelling, aligning with modern viewer expectations for quicker narrative resolution.
The executive acknowledged the impact on production staff, noting, "We are conscious this will have an impact for the people who work on the soaps team. We will support our colleagues in ITV Studios as they work through these changes, and will do what we can to mitigate the impact on our people." Ultimately, the changes are framed as necessary for the long-term viability of the programmes in a highly competitive market.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Soap Broadcasting
As the television industry continues to evolve, the tension between traditional scheduled programming and the demands of live sports broadcasting remains a contentious issue. While ITV seeks to balance diverse viewer interests, the latest schedule alterations have underscored the challenges faced by soap opera enthusiasts. The ongoing adjustments reflect broader trends in media consumption, where broadcasters must navigate shifting audience habits while maintaining the loyalty of long-standing fans.
The coming weeks will likely see continued scrutiny of ITV's scheduling decisions, as viewers assess whether the promised benefits of the new format outweigh the frustrations of missed episodes. For now, the outcry from disappointed fans serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural significance of these iconic British soaps.
