Page 2 | To think Gogglebox is the sign of a deeply lonely society

Pavementworrier · 2025-12-03T21:50:59+00:00

The comfort of feeling like you're watching TV with friends or a beloved relative Weep

abracadabra1980 · 04/12/2025 00:04

I think you are actually looking at a rather outdated form of social interaction - hardly anyone in my household watches TV together these days. How nice that would be, though.

AnAlpacaForChristmasPleaseSanta · 04/12/2025 00:01

Jijithecat · 03/12/2025 23:06

I watch it for the entertainment value and so that I don't have to watch whole episodes of trashy TV. It gives me the "highlights" so I can join in discussions with others.

Same. I actually only got into the first series of Traitors thanks to it. I like Gogglebox, I'm certainly not lonely and nor do I view them as being my friends (Abi does my head in too much) but it's a non taxing thing to watch, which is sometimes all I need.

Frenchexs · 03/12/2025 23:28

It’s not even funny anymore, they just shout along to what’s happening.

illsendansostotheworld · 03/12/2025 23:26

EveryDayisFriday · 03/12/2025 23:02

I like Gogglebox, gives a broad overview of popular TV shows if there's anything interesting and worth watching.

Same

InveterateWineDrinker · 03/12/2025 23:19

I have watched it since the first ever series.

I know full well that the circles in which I live are unlikely to be representative of the UK as a whole. Gogglebox is one of the conduits I have to see how other people think and react. I am grateful for it.

CandyCayne · 03/12/2025 23:13

Nah, I just like watching it because I find it funny 🤷‍♀️

ArtesianWater · 03/12/2025 23:09

I think it's just interesting to see how others react to things. I also like an over view of the week's TV in case there is something I want to watch!

Arlanymor · 03/12/2025 23:09

Brooklans · 03/12/2025 22:42

Am I the only one who finds it mind numbling boring? I watch reaction/review videos on YouTube which offers more analysis and insight, but Googlebox doesn’t get into any indepth commentary at all. It doesn’t even begin to get interesting.

How have we reached a point where we’re watching people watch tv while making bland polite small talk 😴

Nope, that’s exactly how I feel about it. Exactly.

InterestQ · 03/12/2025 23:09

I don’t watch it often now but I did during lockdown and I was delighted it was there then. Nice people on telly being normal. Not about snogging or tricking people. It’s quite nice really.

Jijithecat · 03/12/2025 23:06

I watch it for the entertainment value and so that I don't have to watch whole episodes of trashy TV. It gives me the "highlights" so I can join in discussions with others.

EveryDayisFriday · 03/12/2025 23:02

I like Gogglebox, gives a broad overview of popular TV shows if there's anything interesting and worth watching.

Brooklans · 03/12/2025 22:42

Am I the only one who finds it mind numbling boring? I watch reaction/review videos on YouTube which offers more analysis and insight, but Googlebox doesn’t get into any indepth commentary at all. It doesn’t even begin to get interesting.

How have we reached a point where we’re watching people watch tv while making bland polite small talk 😴

Tryingatleast · 03/12/2025 22:23

I think I just like knowing others opinion on a program I’ve seen!

EmeraldRoulette · 03/12/2025 22:22

Okay, that is not what I thought this programme was about

Very confused now

people don't sit and watch something at the same time as the Gogglebox do they?

Deadringer · 03/12/2025 22:14

I watch it with my dh and adult dc because we think it's funny, I dont think loneliness has anything to do with it.

NuffSaidSam · 03/12/2025 22:12

I think you're probably right OP.

Reaction videos are a similar thing.

And kids watch other people playing games on YouTube etc.

Happyapplesanspears · 03/12/2025 22:10

I like watching gogglebox bout could not tolerate anyone I’m watching TV with behaving as if they are on gogglebox - shush and let me watch!

bizkittt · 03/12/2025 22:09

No

ShesTheAlbatross · 03/12/2025 22:08

FairViewRosie25 · 03/12/2025 21:55

Oh ffs it’s television program
. I watch no way do I think they are my friends

I don’t think OP meant people literally view them as friends.

I think she meant the shared experience of watching something with someone else, seeing their reactions.
Like reaction videos on YouTube, or following along on Twitter when everyone’s watching the traitors finale and tweeting.

GumFossil · 03/12/2025 22:07

We watch Gogglebox, but we certainly don’t do it because we feel like we’re watching with friends or family.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 03/12/2025 22:03

I do

See also - tiktokkers vlogging their ordinary daily lives

CrazyCatMam · 03/12/2025 22:00

I agree. For a lot of people, it’s what life used to be like: sitting watching something together. Doesn’t happen nearly as often nowadays.

savoycabbage · 03/12/2025 22:00

Yes, I used to watch the UK one just so I could have a ‘shared experience’ with other people when I lived in another country.

Gingercar · 03/12/2025 22:00

They just make funny comments. Same as watching a comedian. I don’t think of any of them as friends!!

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 03/12/2025 21:59

They're funnier though.