Brendan O’Carroll admits Mrs Brown’s Boys is ‘marmite’ television as he fires back at BBC show’s critics: ‘People either love it or they hate it’

Brendan O’Carroll has accepted that Mrs Brown’s Boys is ‘marmite’ television.

The comedian, 69, has played the role of the titular matriarch on the long-running BBC sitcom for almost fourteen years, initially bringing the character to life as part of a radio play in the early 1990s.

But after the show continues to remain on air and recently won an NTA, he has accepted that viewers either love or hate the show, insisting that all art is “subjective” anyway.

He told The mirror: ‘I’m the same with music and with comedy, it’s subjective, you know? Really and truly. There are comedians that people find really funny and I say, ‘I don’t really understand that,’ you know?

“They went through a phase where comedy started getting really snarky and people were hitting the ground, and I looked and said, ‘I don’t know…’

The comedian, 69, has starred in the long-running BBC sitcom for almost fourteen years and initially brought the character to life as part of a radio play in the 1990s.

“And then there are other guys, people who were around me, saying, ‘Oh no, he’s fucking hilarious.’ Are you kidding me, he’s fucking hilarious!’ And I say, ‘Well… Because it really is, it’s what you call Marmite, that’s what it is and people either love it or they fucking hate it.’

Brendan commented that it must be “frustrating for people” and “not understanding” when it comes to the ratings.

He also insisted that he never said anything that would discredit the show, as he admitted that he never imagined the series would last this long.

He said, ‘Because why bother? But I went on to say, ‘Oh, I love that, that’s really damn good.’ When we do the miniseries, in April and May, it will be our 56th episode. I signed up for 18.”

In addition to their television program, Mrs. Brown’s Boys has gone on the road a number of times to play theaters and arenas across the country.

The show has spawned two spin-off films and, in addition to the four regular series, has returned every year for a festive special since 2013.

In 2020, it was confirmed that the BBC had signed a deal with Brendan to guarantee new Christmas specials until at least 2026.

The TV star famously enlists his family to appear alongside him, with his wife Jennifer Gibney starring as his on-screen daughter Cathy, and his sister Eilish as his best friend Winnie.

His son Danny, 40, and daughter Fiona, 44, also appeared in the Irish sitcom during its lengthy run.

The TV star has enlisted his family to appear alongside him, with his wife Jennifer Gibney starring as his on-screen daughter Cathy (left, alongside Rory Cowan and Pat Shields)

Brendan’s daughter Fiona (centre) plays Fiona O’Carroll in the show (pictured alongside Emily Regan as Barbara in the 2020 Christmas special)

Brenda’s sister Eilish O’Carroll stars as Winnie McGoogan, his alter ego’s best friend (left), while his son Danny O’Carroll (top left) plays Buster Brady (pictured alongside June Rodgers and Paddy Houlihan)

In September, Mrs Brown’s Boys won its second consecutive Best Comedy award at the NTAs, after beating Ghosts in the same category in 2023

The series also won Best Comedy in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and the entire clan was on stage to accept the award

In September, Mrs Brown’s Boys won its second consecutive Best Comedy award at the NTAs, after beating Ghosts in the same category in 2023.

The series also won Best Comedy in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and the entire clan was on stage to accept the award.

After receiving the award from Outnumbered stars Tyger Drew-Honey, Ramona Marquez and Daniel Roache ahead of their own Christmas special, Brendan dedicated the award to their loyal TV audience.

He said: “I would like to thank the public who voted. We will make it for you, so thank you very much for your response.