Channel 5 confirms return of long-running show but with big change after major fan backlash
CHANNEL 5 has confirmed the return of one of its long-running shows but with a big change, leaving fans unhappy.
The broadcaster has announced The Gadget Show will make its highly anticipated return this Friday.
However, the programme, which launched almost 20 years, has been given a format overhaul.
Channel 5 have also rebranded its look and given it a brand new name – The Good Gadget Guide: Shop Smart, Save Money.
It previously saw presenters such as Jon Bentley and Georgie Barrat review and try out the latest tech in a studio.
The latest series scrapped that and instead focused on helping families in the UK with technology.
Loyal fans have been left furious by the changes, forcing the show’s production team to issue a statement.
A spokesperson said: “While the latest series has proved popular, we acknowledge that there has been some negative feedback regarding the recent format change.
“We understand that change can sometimes be met with mixed reactions, and we appreciate the feedback we have received from our viewers.
“The decision to transition to The Good Gadget Guide: Shop Smart, Save Money was made to appeal to the broadest possible audience while providing valuable insights and recommendations in the realm of technology.
“The world of gadgets is constantly evolving, and we want to ensure that our content remains relevant and valuable to a broad range of viewers.
“Our goal is to strike a balance that appeals to a diverse audience while staying true to our commitment of providing valuable and engaging content in the world of technology.”
They added that fans can still enjoy the older format by watching classic episodes dating back to 2004 on their YouTube channel.
However, viewers are still unimpressed and vowed to switch off for good.
One said on social media: “The format change killed it for me, so I won’t be watching.”
A second wrote: “This show just needs to be put to bed now.”
“Just pull the plug on it all, the show is dead in the water,” said a third viewer.
The Good Gadget Guide: Shop Smart, Save Money returns this Friday at 7pm on Channel 5.