How the UK’s “Gogglebox” Got Us Through 2023
Discover how “Gogglebox,” the beloved British television program airing on Channel 4, became the unexpected lifeline that saw us through the challenges of 2023. Join us on a journey through laughter, relatability, and diverse perspectives, as we explore the impact of this unique show on our mental health during a tumultuous year.
On New Year's Eve, as we sat for dinner at Fortunato’s – our favorite local Italian restaurant downtown – we found ourselves reflecting on the past year. Looking back, it was evident that the first 8 months of 2023 were pretty darn good. Unfortunately, the last 4 months took a turn for the worse, no matter how much good they ultimately resulted in. That's when James uttered the realization that summed up our challenging year: we couldn't have weathered those tough months without one thing – "Gogglebox".
And he wasn't wrong. Ever since our return from London, where Pedro conducted several hours of research to find the best source for downloading seasons of the show, "Gogglebox" in bed has been our nightly ritual (except on nights we would indulge in Mrs. Brown’s Boys reruns). We truly believe that this was our key to maintaining sanity.
"Gogglebox", a British television program broadcasted on Channel 4 and narrated by Craig Cash, features diverse households providing entertaining and often humorous commentary on popular television shows and current events. It offers a unique and relatable perspective on the cultural landscape. We've come to love regular folks like Jenny and Lee from Hull, best friends Marina and Mary from Bristol, the hilarious couple Mary and Giles from Wiltshire, Ellie and Izzi from Leeds, Pete and his little sister Sophie in Leeds, Brighton gay couple Steven and Daniel, and, of course, The Siddiquis in Derby – just to name a few of our favorites. By the end of 2023, we had watched seasons 8 through 22, the most current season.
Our first encounter with the show happened during our trip to London in August. Initially, we paid little attention, but as we spent more time on Channel 4, the back-to-back reruns caught our attention. It became our go-to after long days on our trip. Then, in Scotland, James came down with some flu/fever for several days, giving us ample time to watch several episodes. Returning to the United States, James sat in our Washington D.C. hotel the night before heading back to Roanoke and said, "You know what I'm really going to miss about the UK?" Pedro asked, "What's that?" only to have James respond with, "Gogglebox." This resulted in laughter because we both knew he was right, and that was Pedro's cue to research and get some seasons on our Plex server!
What makes this show special? Well, there are a few layers. Firstly, it starts with casting. There are no open castings for "Gogglebox". The casting crew roamed different areas of the UK and handpicked regular folks, keeping it real. Secondly, it truly is diverse. There's a well-thought-out cross-section of UK folks at home, representing various races, ages, and sexual orientations. Thirdly, it's the relatable context. The concept is simple – households watch clips of shows that have aired in the current week, from news to Netflix thrillers, ITV late-night shows, and tried-and-true soaps like Coronation Street. They react as we all do when we watch these shows – they cry, they laugh, they scream, and they chew the fat, making jokes or talking about their week while watching TV, making it incredibly relatable.
Now on its 22nd season, the show's success has led to multiple spin-offs in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, as well as Celebrity and Kid versions and American versions with The People’s Couch and Celebrity Watch Party. Yet, there is no version quite like the UK version – at least in our eyes.
As we bid farewell to 2023, we can't help but emphasize the impact "Gogglebox" had on our mental health during the challenging times. It served as a constant source of laughter, connection, and relatability. In a year filled with ups and downs, "Gogglebox" became our anchor, providing a welcome escape and a shared experience that bridged the gap between the screen and our daily lives. Here's to "Gogglebox" for getting us through a tough time and being the comforting presence we needed. Cheers to the power of television in bringing joy and connection during challenging times.