The armchair critics return for Gogglebox

Back in early 2013, the idea of a show about everyday folks watching telly seemed like madness. After all, who would want to watch people watching TV? Well, as it turns out, millions of us, especially when they’re as entertaining as the families and friends on Gogglebox, which returns for a 16th series this week.

That first episode debuted in the spring of 2013, and as the set-up mirrored classic sitcom The Royle Family, it was hardly surprising that TRF’s Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash were brought in to narrate the show.

The inaugural four-part run proved so popular that another 13 episodes were given the green light. In the years that followed, the show became a staple of Channel 4’s prime time output, spawning a kids’ version (Gogglesprogs); an all-star offering, Celebrity Gogglebox, and global versions, including US show The People’s Couch, better known here as Celebrity Gogglebox USA.

Given the fact the original series came from the Studio Lambert stable, the company responsible for huge hits Wife Swap and Undercover Boss, there was little wonder it touched a chord with the masses. Viewers were soon desperate to see what the likes of hilarious hairdresser Stephen Webb, and Derby’s equally witty family Sid, Umar and Bassit Siddiqui made of the week’s comedies, dramas, films and news coverage.

Two of its biggest breakout stars are Giles Wood and writer Mary Killen, whose idyllic thatched cottage in Wiltshire has become the envy of many.

In case you didn’t know it, Giles is a phenomenal fine artist, not that he would ever blow his own trumpet. He has opinions on a wide range of shows, even if his comments do lead to a spot of eye rolling from Mary.

The duo have been together 30 years, so it’s hardly surprising they look so at ease together on TV.

“We’ve gone past the critical stage of marriage,” Giles remarked in a podcast promoting their book The Diary of Two Nobodies.

“We find each other very annoying still,” remarked Mary.

“But we’ve got ways of dealing with it without divorcing. That’s our USP,” adds Giles.

Given the fact the couple have been together so long, it’s no surprise they have become experts for those needing tips on making a marriage work.

“Wear invisible wax earplugs while your partner is ranting on a familiar theme,” is Mary’s advice.

“Don’t have unrealistic expectations,” suggests Giles.

And watch lots of TV? Well, it’s anyone’s guess whether Gogglebox has helped or hindered the duo’s relationship. But one thing is for sure: they have given fans no end of entertainment with witty views on shows many of us may have taken for granted. Now the assorted armchair critics return to share their opinions on what they have been watching during the past seven days, with cameras capturing their reactions and the discussions prompted by the week’s best telly offerings.

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