Brendan O'Carroll speaks out on 'marmite' reception of Mrs Brown

by · Mail Online

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

The comedian, 69, has starred as the titular matriarch in the long-running BBC sitcom for almost 14 years, and initially brought 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 may love or hate the show and insisted that all art is 'subjective' anyway.

He told The Mirror: 'I'm the same with music and with comedy, it's subjective, you know? It really is. There's comedians that people find really funny who I then go, 'I don't really get that,' you know?

'They went through a stage where comedy started to get really snarky and people punching down, and I'd be looking and I went, 'I don't know...'

Brendan O'Carroll has admitted that he can 'understand the begrudgery' against Mrs Brown's Boys as the show enters its 14th year on air
 The comedian, 69, has starred as the titular matriarch in the long-running BBC sitcom for almost 14 years, and initially brought the character to life as part of a radio play in the 1990s

'And then there's other guys, people who were around me go, 'Oh no, he's f***ing hilarious. Are you kidding me, he's f***ing hilarious!' And I go, 'Well... Because it really is, it's what you call Marmite, that's what it is and people either love it or they f***ing hate it.' 

Brendan noted that it must be 'frustrating for people' and 'doesn't understand' when it comes to the audience figures.

He also insisted that he has never said anything that would put the show into disrepute as he admitted he never imagined the series lasting as long as it has.

He said: 'Because why would you bother? But I have gone on to say, 'Oh I love that, that is really f***ing good'.  When we do the mini series, this April, May It'll be our 56th episode. I signed on for 18.' 

Aside from its television run, Mrs Brown's Boys has hit the road a number of times to play to theatres and arenas around the country.

The show has spawned two spin-off movies and, around its four regular series, has returned every single 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 employs 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, have also featured on the Irish sitcom throughout its lengthy run.

The TV star famously employs 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 on the show (pictured alongside Emily Regan as Barbara in the 2020 Christmas special)
Brenda's sister Eilish O'Carroll stars as his alter-ego's best friend Winnie McGoogan (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 collected 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 whole clan were on stage to accept the award 

In September, Mrs Brown's Boys collected 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 whole clan were on stage to accept the award.

After being presented the accolade by Outnumbered stars Tyger Drew-Honey, Ramona Marquez and Daniel Roche ahead of their own Christmas special, Brendan dedicated the award to their loyal TV audience.  

He said: 'I wanna thank the audience who vote. We make it for you, so thank you very much for responding the way you did.