BBC Only Connect viewers beg for format change as they ‘switch off’ from latest episode: ‘I’m out!’
Fans of the BBC quiz show Only Connect recently expressed outrage over a special audio-themed episode that aired on Monday, with some viewers claiming they switched channels just minutes into the programme.
The episode, which featured audio clips as clues instead of the usual visual format, sparked a wave of complaints on social media platform X.
Only Connect has built a dedicated following with its tournament-style format where teams compete to find connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
However, the special episode that aired on May 12 included a twist to the usual format that many loyal viewers found difficult to engage with.
Host Victoria Coren, 52, introduced the special episode by explaining the audio theme.
“Hello and welcome to an Only Connect special where tonight’s theme is sound,” she said at the beginning of the programme.
She continued with her characteristic humour: “I don’t mean that in a Mancunian sense of boss, mint, sorted like, we’ll make that judgement at the end.
“No I mean it’s about all things audio and once again we’ll be hearing from some favourite teams of past eras.”
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This audio-based format has been used before on the show, but Monday’s episode appeared to particularly frustrate viewers who prefer the traditional visual puzzle format that has made the programme popular since its inception.
Viewers took to social media to express their frustration with the audio format. One fan posted on X: “I love Only Connect, but as soon as the music round starts I’m out. It’s a quiz for thinkers, not karaoke night #onlyconnect.”
Others were equally critical, with comments including: “Love the vowel round normally and that sucked tonight bring back the usual format” and “Let’s never do that again, please.”
Some viewers highlighted accessibility issues, with one noting: “I’ve abandoned this tonight as so many audio and music questions are no good for hard of hearing. Hope this isn’t continuing every week.”
According to the Express, another viewer stated: “This awful music format should never happen again. Switching channels.”
One fan admitted struggling with the audio-only format: “Wow didn’t realise how much I rely on my vision!”
The audio episode comes amid news that Coren is set to take on a new role in another popular BBC programme.
It has been confirmed that she will appear as a guest host on Have I Got News For You on Friday, May 23.
The quiz show host will be joined by guest panellists comedian Chris McCausland and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter for the episode.
This guest hosting opportunity represents a change of pace for Coren, who has become well-known to viewers through her regular hosting duties on Only Connect since the show began in 2008.
Despite the backlash to the audio special, Only Connect remains one of the BBC’s most intellectually challenging quiz formats.