A new poll of 2,000 UK adults has revealed the top television bugbears that drive Brits mad – and it’s likely we’re all guilty of some of them
If you’ve ever found your patience tested by a chatty companion or a remote-control hog during a night in front of the telly, you’re not alone. A new survey of 2,000 UK adults has revealed the country’s biggest television pet peeves – including people who fire off endless queries about the show, constantly flicking between channels, and perhaps most infuriatingly of all, accidentally revealing major plot twists.
The study, commissioned by M&M’S to mark the debut of its “It’s More Fun Together” campaign, discovered that 24 per cent of Brits become irritated when their sofa companions munch snacks too noisily, whilst 21 per cent grow frustrated with those who keep the sound turned down too low.
However, it appears many of us are guilty of these TV ourselves. A quarter of participants confessed they are a nightmare to watch television with, admitting to constantly firing off questions during programmes. It comes after Channel 4 breaks silence after Gogglebox couple suddenly dumped from show.
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For 40 per cent of these question-askers, it’s simply a case of trying to understand a tricky plot point, but 31 per cent owned up to not paying enough attention.
Despite the occasional irritation, watching television together remains a strong way to connect. A third (33 per cent) of those surveyed said a night in front of the telly with friends is just as enjoyable as doing an activity together.
To celebrate these quirks, M&M’S hosted a “Couch Confessions” pop-up in London, with TV-loving celebrities Sam Thompson and Scarlett Moffatt.
Reality TV Star, Scarlett Moffatt, said: “TV nights at home are my love language, chaotic, full of theme-tune singalongs and subtitle debates.
“But hunkering down on the couch with Scott and Jude is what makes it so special.
“I love the little quirks that turn ordinary nights into unforgettable family moments, because watching together is always more fun, even if Jude is the remote-control-king nowadays.”
The survey also revealed what would make group TV viewing even better.
One in five (20 per cent) would love snack bowls that perfectly divide portions between people, while 19 per cent dream of a family-sized footstool so everyone can put their feet up. Fifteen per cent wish there were a device that sets the TV at the ‘perfect’ volume.
Guests at the M&M’S pop-up got to try out some of these solutions, along with scavenger hunts for TV snacks. The immersive experience also paid homage to the nation’s favourite ways to watch TV together, with themed rooms inspired by the modern British living room.
When it comes to dream TV companions, Brits would most like to watch with David Attenborough, Ant and Dec, and Olivia Colman.
TV Personality & Radio Host, Sam Thompson, added: “I’m all about turning TV nights into a proper event with bean bags, onesies, volume up and a stash of snacks.
“It’s my favourite time to just hang out with mates, even if it takes us an hour to agree on what to watch and someone always falls asleep halfway through.”
TOP ANNOYING TELLY HABITS BRITS ADMIT TO:
- Trying to guess the plot twists before they happen
- Rewinding to catch missed dialogue
- Using a phone, TV, and another device at the same time
- Pausing the show at vital moments to go to the toilet or make a cup of tea
- Google actors while watching the show
- Crying during emotional moments
- Falling asleep mid-show
- Covering eyes during scary scenes
- Talking to the TV as if the characters can hear you
- Get distracted by notifications on my phone
- Ask someone else to update me on what’s happened when I haven’t been paying attention
- Cheering for favourite characters
- Sing along to the theme tune
- Mimicking the accents of the characters
- Turning the volume up or down when someone else wants it at a different setting
- Search the show when watching and accidentally see spoilers
- Eating snacks that were supposed to be for another occasion
- Talking over the show about something else when someone’s trying to concentrate on it
- Commentate throughout the show
- Stealing snacks from someone else when they leave the room
