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Archers Fans Revolt: 'Too Woke' Soap Angers Loyal Listeners
8 Feb
Summary
- Long-time listeners claim the BBC's The Archers is 'too woke' for younger audiences.
- Some fans have stopped listening due to perceived 'sensational woke plots'.
- The show, set in Ambridge, celebrated its 75th anniversary in January.
The Archers, famously known as 'an everyday story of country folk', is facing listener backlash after 75 years on air. Fans are accusing BBC Radio 4 bosses of alienating its core audience by pursuing 'woke' storylines to attract a younger demographic. This strategic shift has reportedly led many previously loyal listeners to stop tuning into the soap, which is set in the fictional English village of Ambridge.
Despite BBC chiefs celebrating The Archers' popularity among under-35s, sources within the show suggest this focus on 'sensational woke plots' is proving detrimental. Critics describe the new scripts as 'sickening woke nonsense' and lament the increased emphasis on 'psychobabble' and emotional sharing. The show, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in January with a re-enactment of its first episode, is also slated for a UK theatre tour in June.
However, the concerns extend beyond just storylines; some listeners also question the acting quality and overall narrative direction. This discontent is being voiced widely in online fan groups and on social media platforms. While the show is unlikely to be cancelled, there are fears that drastic changes are needed to prevent its familiar format from disappearing entirely.
