ITV's highly anticipated new quiz show, 'The Floor' hosted by Rob Brydon, faced a barrage of criticism from viewers within minutes of its premiere on Sunday, 4 January 2026.
What is 'The Floor' and How Does It Work?
The format pits 81 quiz enthusiasts against each other on a massive LED floor divided into squares, each representing a distinct field of knowledge. The ultimate goal for contestants is to conquer the entire grid and win a £50,000 cash prize.
The rules are straightforward: a randomly selected player challenges a neighbour in a head-to-head quiz duel, answering questions from the opponent's chosen category. The victor claims their rival's square, expanding their territory, while the loser is eliminated from the game. As the contest advances, the battles intensify and the potential rewards grow.
Audience Reaction: 'The Bore' and a 'Slog'
Despite the ambitious setup, the show failed to captivate its audience. Many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their disappointment almost immediately after the broadcast began.
One unimpressed viewer quipped, "More like The Bore.... The game itself is so repetitive and dull." Another echoed this sentiment, stating, "The Floor is a bit tedious, even after only 30 mins. Not sure even Rob Brydon can save this from being a very forgettable show."
The criticism was widespread, with comments labelling the programme "s*** boring" and "too drawn out." One person succinctly asked, "What fresh hell is this?" while another questioned the difficulty of the questions and the reliance on picture rounds, calling it a "weird game."
A Rocky Start for ITV's Latest Gameshow
The immediate and largely negative viewer reaction presents a significant challenge for the new series. While the concept of a giant, conquerable floor and high-stakes duels promised excitement, the execution was perceived by many as slow and monotonous.
It remains to be seen whether the format will evolve or find its audience as the series continues, but its debut on ITV has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about what makes a compelling primetime quiz show.
