The UK TV show’s armchair critics have helped recreate a shared sense of cultural life. We talk to the people behind an unlikely smash hit
Hard to recall a time when the word “gogglebox” was just quaint slang for a television set, isn’t it? Today the Channel 4 show in which selected families react to a string of TV programmes is a staple of the broadcasting scene. Even people who don’t own a “gogglebox” know about it, possibly because they enjoy snorting derisively at the concept.
On Sunday evening, the nine-year-old show is yet again in contention for a TV Bafta at the annual awards ceremony in London. It is nominated as best “reality and constructed factual programme”, a prosaic category that belies the enduring magic of the show. In a good week, Gogglebox could also probably give the nominees in the comedy, entertainment and current affairs shortlists a run for their money.
