ITV's flagship daytime programme, This Morning Hosted by the usually popular duo Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, the segment saw a procession of pets and their owners take to the stage to perform various tricks. The concept was a canine version of the popular talent show format, but viewers quickly took to social media to express their second-hand embarrassment. Within minutes of the segment airing, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with comments from baffled fans. One viewer encapsulated the general mood, writing, "What is this Pup Idol segment on #ThisMorning? This is so cringe, I can't bear it." Another questioned the producers' judgement, posting, "Is #PupIdol the worst segment in the history of daytime TV? It's toe-curlingly awful. Who greenlit this?" The sentiment was overwhelmingly one of confusion, with many wondering if the show was struggling for content ideas. The segment had been teased earlier in the show, with Hammond and O'Leary building anticipation. However, the execution failed to live up to the hype for many. Comments ranged from critiques of the awkward pacing to the sheer absurdity of the premise. Key viewer complaints included: Despite the presenters' best efforts to maintain energy, the overall response suggests that 'Pup Idol' missed the mark spectacularly, becoming an instant example of televised cringe that will likely be remembered by viewers for all the wrong reasons.A Wave of Cringe on Social Media
High Hopes Dashed
