Mrs Brown’s Boys Returns for Fifth Series Amid Mixed Reception

The Enduring Appeal of Mrs Brown’s Boys

Mrs Brown’s Boys, the divisive sitcom created by and starring Brendan O’Carroll, continues to defy its critics as it returns for a fifth series. A fifth series of four episodes had been commissioned which were filmed in May 2025, and was broadcast on BBC1 on 1 August 2025. The show, which centres on the loud and lovable Irish matriarch Agnes Brown, has been a fixture on British and Irish television screens since 2011, consistently drawing both devoted fans and harsh criticism.

Recent Developments and Viewing Figures

The show returned with festive specials in December 2024 and January 2025, demonstrating its continued presence in the broadcasting schedule. The 2024 Christmas Day special from Mrs Brown’s Boys was one of the top 10 most watched British TV comedies of the year, with 7-day consolidated ratings data revealing an audience of 3.88m. However, these figures represent a significant decline from the show’s peak popularity. Ratings have plummeted from a peak of 13 million to just two million last December, and O’Carroll has said that he would have no complaint were the BBC and RTÉ to call time on the series and the seasonal one-off.

Critical Reception and Future Prospects

Despite its popular appeal, Mrs Brown’s Boys continues to divide opinion sharply. The show has received poor reviews by critics and received unfavourable comparisons to Father Ted. Recent reviews of the Christmas 2025 special were particularly harsh, with critics suggesting even for a retro sitcom, it is clearly past its sell-by date. Nevertheless, the programme maintains a loyal fanbase who appreciate O’Carroll’s informal production style, which deliberately includes outtakes and fourth-wall breaks. As the fifth series aired in August 2025, the question remains whether Agnes Brown’s antics can recapture former glory or whether the show’s time has finally come to an end.