Viewers Criticize Britain’s Got Talent for Repeating Same Acts During Launch Episode Across UK

There was a time when the return of Britain’s biggest talent show felt like an event.

Families gathered, takeaway menus were opened, and social media lit up with hot takes.

But this weekend, as Britain’s Got Talent kicked off its latest series, a sizeable chunk of viewers seemed to greet it with a shrug rather than applause.

Within minutes of the launch episode airing, complaints started stacking up online.

The general mood? “We’ve seen it all before.”

For some fans, the format that once felt thrilling now feels stuck in a loop — familiar auditions, familiar reactions, familiar outcomes.

Same Tricks, Different Year?

The first episode offered a fairly classic BGT mix: a woman flinging flaming buckets with her feet, a performing dog delighting the crowd, and a high-energy dance troupe filling the stage with choreography and glitter.

On paper, it sounds like the variety that made the show a hit in the first place.

But for critics tuning in, the issue wasn’t talent — it was repetition.

Social media users complained about yet another round of magicians, dance crews, and novelty animal acts.

Some said they hadn’t watched in years and were stunned that the structure felt almost identical.

Others argued that the element of surprise — once the show’s biggest weapon — has faded after nearly two decades on air.

The phrase “past its sell-by date” cropped up more than once.

The Ratings Reality

Despite the grumbles, the numbers tell a more balanced story.

Even after almost 20 years, BGT regularly pulls in between five and seven million viewers — figures many programmes would envy in today’s fragmented streaming era.

It’s worth remembering that the show first launched in 2007 and quickly became a Saturday-night institution.

Over the years it has unearthed household names and viral sensations, from dance troupes to singers who went on to international careers.

The format has also inspired spin-offs across the globe, proving the talent-show blueprint still has global pull.

Still, audience expectations have changed.

With TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram delivering jaw-dropping performances daily, viewers may simply be harder to impress.

Gladiators Steals the Spotlight

Interestingly, some disgruntled viewers admitted they were tempted to switch channels to Gladiators, which has enjoyed renewed popularity since its BBC revival.

A few even openly declared they’d abandoned BGT mid-episode to catch the action-packed competition instead.

It’s a reminder that Saturday-night TV is more competitive than ever.

Loyalty can’t be assumed — especially when rival shows are offering fresh energy and nostalgia in equal measure.

Familiar Faces on the Panel

The judging panel remains largely unchanged.

Music mogul Simon Cowell once again takes his seat alongside long-serving judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

The big change this year is the addition of internet star and musician KSI, who replaces Bruno Tonioli after his departure at the end of 2025.

KSI previously appeared as a guest judge, but now takes on the role full-time — a move clearly aimed at pulling in younger viewers who know him from YouTube, music, and boxing.

Backstage and on stage, presenting duo Ant and Dec return as ever, offering comic relief and steady nerves to hopeful contestants.

The Prize That Keeps Them Coming

No matter how many complaints surface online, the incentive remains huge.

The winner walks away with £250,000 and the chance to perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Show — a career-defining opportunity.

The prize fund itself has changed over time.

When the show began, winners received £100,000.

In 2012, the jackpot briefly jumped to £500,000 before settling at the current £250,000 from 2013 onwards.

Last year’s champion, magician Harry Moulding, marked a milestone as only the second magician to take the crown.

The first was Richard Jones, who won back in 2015.

For fans of sleight-of-hand, that win felt nostalgic — but for critics tired of magic acts, it reinforced the sense of déjà vu.

Has the Format Reached a Turning Point?

Long-running reality shows often face this dilemma.

After nearly 20 years, how do you reinvent without losing what made you successful? Too much change risks alienating loyal viewers; too little risks boredom.

There’s also the wider cultural shift to consider. I

n 2009, a surprise audition could dominate headlines for weeks.

Now, viral moments are consumed and forgotten in days. The bar is simply higher.

That doesn’t mean BGT is finished. It still commands strong ratings and remains a platform many performers would give anything to stand on.

But the growing chorus of criticism suggests producers may need more than a new judge to keep things feeling fresh.

What’s Next?

Producers will be watching the ratings battle closely in the coming weeks.

If viewership holds steady, the complaints may simply be social media noise.

If numbers dip, expect tweaks — perhaps more unconventional acts, format changes, or bigger live-show surprises.

With live semi-finals still to come and that coveted Royal Variety slot on the line, there’s plenty of room for redemption.

All it takes is one truly unforgettable audition to remind audiences why they fell in love with the show in the first place.

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Summary

The new series of Britain’s Got Talent has sparked criticism from viewers who claim the show feels repetitive and uninspired, despite continuing to attract millions of viewers.

Complaints centred on familiar types of acts, with some fans switching over to Gladiators instead.

The 2026 judging panel sees KSI replace Bruno Tonioli, while Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and hosts Ant and Dec remain.

With a £250,000 prize and a Royal Variety Show performance at stake, the format still holds major appeal — but many believe it may need fresh ideas to stay exciting after nearly two decades on air.