Britain’s Got Talent viewers have wasted no time making their feelings known after the long-running ITV juggernaut returned to screens — with many branding the launch episode “boring” and claiming the acts feel like a tired repeat of previous years.
Despite dominating Saturday night television for nearly two decades and still pulling in an average audience of between five and seven million viewers, cracks are beginning to show in the show’s once-unshakeable appeal.
As the new series kicked off on Saturday evening, a wave of online criticism quickly followed, with some fans declaring the programme has finally passed its “sell-by date”.
The first episode of the series saw a woman throwing buckets of fire with her feet, a performing dog and a dance troupe all take to the stage
The opening episode featured a woman hurling buckets of fire using her feet, a performing dog and a high-energy dance troupe taking to the famous stage.
But while the acts themselves were undeniably skilled, many viewers were left unimpressed — insisting they had seen it all before.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they wrote: ‘Same sh*** different year,’; ‘Same old thing as every year…just with a zillion people this time’
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, frustrated fans vented their boredom. Comments included:
“Same s***, different year,”
“Same old thing as every year… just with a zillion people this time,”
and “Not watched this in years and it’s still the same rubbish — magicians, dog acts and dance groups.”
Others were even harsher, with one post reading: “Britain’s Got Talent reached its sell-by date long ago. I’m so bored of rubbish magic acts winning.”
Another added: “47 minutes into the show and I’m not even impressed. What has this show become?”
Some even threatened to change the channel to the BBC’s Gladiators as they said: ‘It’s kinda boring and wanna turn over to Gladiators,’
Dance acts once again became a particular target, with viewers moaning: “Here comes the same basic dance group — it’s been done before. BORING.”
Even the appearance of a dog act, traditionally a fan favourite, failed to impress some, who joked: “Finally a dog act on #BGT — who’d have thought it?”
Several viewers admitted they were already switching off.
“I don’t know why I bothered tuning in — it’s as terrible as ever,” one wrote.
Another complained: “Two rubbish acts and we’re only ten minutes into BGT 2026!”
Perhaps most damaging for ITV, some fans openly threatened to abandon the show altogether in favour of the BBC’s rival hit Gladiators.
“It’s kinda boring and I want to turn over to Gladiators,” one viewer posted.
Another admitted: “Already bored of #BGT — now watching #Gladiators which is set in my city.”
The backlash comes despite the familiar star-studded judging panel returning once again.
For 2026, Britain’s Got Talent sees Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon back in their seats, joined by newcomer KSI following Bruno Tonioli’s departure at the end of 2025.
Veteran presenters Ant and Dec are also back, once again offering backstage support — and their trademark humour — to nervous hopefuls preparing to face the judges.
As ever, the grand prize remains hugely tempting: a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Show and a £250,000 cash reward.
The prize fund has shifted over the years, starting at £100,000 when the show launched in 2007, rising to £500,000 in 2012 before settling on its current figure in 2013.
Last year’s series was won by magician Harry Moulding, making him only the second illusionist ever to take the title — a nostalgic moment for long-time fans after Richard Jones’s victory in 2015.
But judging by the reaction to this year’s opener, nostalgia alone may no longer be enough.
With viewers increasingly vocal about “predictable” formats and recycled acts, Britain’s Got Talent could now be facing its toughest test yet — not from the performers on stage, but from an audience no longer willing to be easily impressed.
