Gogglebox hit with Ofcom complaints over screening of moment nobody wanted to see
Gogglebox has become one of TV's most-watched shows, with millions tuning in to watch the hit Channel 4 programme. It's now been running for over 20 series, with the celebrity edition also proving to be popular. However, during Gogglebox's time on TV, there's been a few moments which have sparked controversy - and plenty of Ofcom complaints.
One moment which sparked a flurry of complaints from TV fans occurred back in 2020. The Gogglebox cast sat down to watch an episode of Sky Atlantic series The Third Day, starring Hollywood actor Jude Law as lead character Sam. The show tells a unique story in three separate but interconnected parts, and also stars Naomie Harris, Katherine Waterston, Emily Watson and Paddy Considine.
One distressing scene showed a child attempting to take her own life, which was shown on Gogglebox, revealiing the cast's reactions.
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Viewers were unimpressed by Channel 4's decision to air the scene, with a total of 92 Ofcom complaints being filed after the episode of Gogglebox aired. Many then took to social media to share their thoughts, insisting the broadcaster should have put a trigger warning on the episode.
"Tonight’s show should have had an explicit suicide trigger warning – 'scenes some viewers might find upsetting' really isn’t good enough," one person wrote on X. Another added: "Disgusted by your show tonight Gogglebox. Families bereaved by suicide trust you for lighthearted TV watching. No warnings. You have just lost four dedicated fans. You should be ashamed of yourselves."
A third unimpressed Gogglebox fan commented: "So I’ve just done my first ever Ofcom complaint about Gogglebox last night. That scene was so horrendous, distressing and so unnecessary on a light entertainment show. Suicide is such a MASSIVE issue and Channel 4 were completely wrong to show that clip. Shame on you."
"Enjoying the new series but would have liked a trigger warning for the depiction of suicide in the episode tonight #Gogglebox," a fourth said, while a fifth wrote: "@Channel4 really should’ve put a trigger warning on today’s #gogglebox."
It's not the only time Gogglebox has received Ofcom complaints after upsetting TV viewers. In 2023, the show received nearly 100 complaints after cast member Joe Kyle shared his uncomplimentary thoughts on King Charles' Coronation.
As he and partner Roisin Kelly watched the Coronation on TV, he exclaimed: “You can stick your Coronation up your a***.” The remark prompted a total of 88 complaints to Ofcom.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie
