BBC viewers have been left furious after the broadcaster implemented major scheduling changes, replacing regular programming with extensive election coverage. Since Thursday evening, BBC One has been dominated by news and local election results, pulling popular shows such as Morning Live, Rip Off Britain, Homes Under The Hammer, and Bargain Hunt from the schedule.
Viewers React to Overkill Coverage
Many viewers took to social media to express their frustration. One person questioned: "Why have we got wall to wall coverage and an Election Special on the BBC? I thought these were council elections?" Another echoed: "Why is the BBC running overnight, point-by-point coverage to local election results when they have already acknowledged that the vast majority of councils won't have completed the count until tomorrow afternoon? Slow news day?"
Some suggested the coverage belongs on the News Channel, with one viewer writing: "Isn't that what the News Channel is for?" Another added: "Will do my best to miss this. This is over the top coverage and not needed and I bet most of the people will not be interested. I hope the BBC publish the viewing figures."
The backlash continued as one person commented: "Bit of an overkill just for local elections. I know it's big but did they do this for GE I can't remember." Another joked: "So... Netflix, anyone?" while someone else threatened: "I'll switch off then."
Criticism of Coverage Quality
Others criticised the BBC's reporting style. One viewer fumed: "As on general election night, BBC coverage unwatchable. So far behind the actual results it's meaningless. I genuinely don't know why they don't simply wait, and open their coverage at 6.00 am the next morning." Another said: "Unwatchable in every way, that's why I have cancelled my license."
Someone else slammed: "BBC election coverage is a mess. Pretty I've just watched the same thing three times now. Additionally, cutting off the live broadcast while someone's talking to go back to something you've shown multiple times is very odd." A viewer joked: "Ahhh everything is right in the world, watching the BBC desperately try and fill three hours of election coverage where literally *nothing* happens. How it should be on election results day."
Some Viewers Defend Coverage
However, not all feedback was negative. One viewer said: "I'm very sad that the BBC aren't doing their normal election coverage, fantastic production work whenever they do it." Another wrote: "I generally prefer Sky News but the BBC are pretty goated for election coverage and results graphics."
The One Show was also cancelled on Friday night, with host Alex Jones previously warning: "We are off tomorrow because of the election coverage." Question Time, usually airing on Thursdays, moved to Friday with a post-election special filmed in London. Host Fiona Bruce explained: "Let me just say that we are in London next week for our programme and we are not going to be on air on Thursday. That's the results night for the elections. We are going to be on air on Friday when most of the results will have come in."
Sir David Attenborough Tribute
Election coverage on Friday evening will be interrupted for a special programme honouring Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday. The BBC teased: "On the day of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday, this unmissable event honours one of the most influential figures in broadcasting and natural history storytelling. Broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall in London, this 90-minute special celebrates Sir David's groundbreaking career, taking audiences on an extraordinary journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world."
The programme combines memorable wildlife moments from the BBC's natural history archive with live music from the BBC Concert Orchestra, alongside reflections from public figures and conservationists. It features iconic music from series like Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Frozen Planet.
