Fans of the hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox were left furious this week, with many forced to change channels to avoid major spoilers for one of the year's most anticipated series.
Social Media Backlash Erupts
The latest episode, which aired on Friday at 9pm, featured the show's beloved families reacting to clips from the newly released Stranger Things Season 5: Part 1. The first part of the final season landed on Netflix on November 27, a mere two days before the Gogglebox broadcast.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers expressed their frustration. One fan questioned the timing, asking, "Did Gogglebox really need to ruin Stranger Things by putting it on 2 days after it's aired...?" Another viewer blasted the decision as "ridiculous," adding, "I can't be the only one that's had to turn over. #Gogglebox." Others admitted they would simply skip the segment entirely to protect themselves from the spoilers.
Tense Scenes and Family Reactions
While viewers at home were covering their eyes, the Gogglebox households were on the edge of their seats. The selected clips included a particularly tense chase scene that packed a significant emotional punch, leaving some of the show's stars screaming.
After watching the dramatic events unfold, Gogglebox star Jenny remarked that it was "no wonder the kids can't get to sleep," while Pete quipped about the show's realism. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things, which first aired in 2016, has been eagerly awaited by fans for three years. The remaining episodes are scheduled to be released in the UK on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
A Recurring Dilemma for Fans
This incident highlights a recurring tension for viewers of reaction-based television shows. While the Gogglebox families enjoyed the premiere, their entertainment came at the cost of spoiling the experience for a portion of the audience who had not yet found time to watch the new episodes.
The swift inclusion of such fresh content has sparked a debate about the balance between providing timely commentary and respecting viewers' ability to enjoy major series releases at their own pace.
