A major rift has split the loyal fanbase of Channel 4's Gogglebox following an excruciatingly awkward moment during the latest episode. The nation's favourite armchair critics, the Malone family, found themselves at the centre of a social media storm after delivering a brutally honest review of a show presented by one of their own.
The tension erupted when the family tuned in to watch Stephen Webb's brand new programme, Steph's Packed Lunch. Instead of the supportive cheers one might expect for a colleague, the Malones offered a painfully blunt and dismissive critique. The palpable awkwardness on screen quickly translated to shock and division amongst viewers at home.
Viewers Voice Their Discomfort
Taking to social media platforms like Twitter, fans were quick to comment on the uncomfortable nature of the segment. Many expressed that watching the Malones pan Stephen's show was a genuinely 'cringeworthy' and 'painful' experience. Comments flooded in, with one viewer stating it was "so awkward to watch", while another simply called it "brutal".
A Family Divided... and United
Interestingly, the reaction amongst the Malone family themselves was a unified front of disapproval. Unlike some past episodes where opinions might differ, every member of the family seemed to share the same negative sentiment towards the show, amplifying the impact of their critique and leaving no room for debate within the household.
This incident has sparked a wider conversation about the ethics of critiquing a colleague's work on national television. While Gogglebox is built on honest reactions, this moment crossed a line for many, feeling more personal than professional. For others, it was a testament to the show's authenticity, proving that not even fellow stars are safe from a genuine reaction.
