ITV’s Oscars show branded ‘abysmal’ as viewers beg for huge changes

ITV viewers were left begging for traditional adverts to return after slating the Oscars coverage, led by Jonathan Ross.

The White Lotus actor Jason Isaacs was part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the Academy Awards on Sunday night, in a special program hosted by the comedian.

The 61-year-old was joined on a panel by Mariella Frostrup and Elle Osili-Wood, but things very quickly went haywire when he opened up about why he doesn’t actually enjoy the annual ceremonies.

When Jonathan questioned his take on how host Conan O’Brien should proceed with the show, and whether he should be ‘respectful’ of the moment, the Harry Potter legend didn’t hold back.

‘Oh, respecting what? A bunch of celebrities sitting in a room?,’ he fumed.

‘No, here’s the reason I said I don’t like award shows – it’s a television show for what used to be many tens of millions of people, decreasingly, every year [there are] fewer people.

‘Because at the heart of it, you want to see the stars, you want to see the wizard behind the curtain, and you get 45 seconds of nothing but thank yous to people who are sitting in front of them. 

‘Instead, tell a story about yourself. Make us laugh, or tell us something about who wouldn’t sleep with you in high school, and, wave it in their face!’

‘Whatever the hell it is, do something that’s original and honest and don’t thank your publicist,’ Jason added.

‘Take the p**s out of the people in front of you that have fantastic lives, they can take it.’

Well, tell us how you really feel…

ITV viewers were living for the hilarious moment and flocked to social media to unpack the star’s remarks.

Twitter user Aiden quipped: ‘I don’t think Jason Isaacs has said anything positive about tonight’s #Oscars and I can’t fault anything being said #Oscars2025.’

Sean agreed: ‘Jason Isaacs dropping truth bombs. Love it #Oscars.’

‘Jason Isaacs hates the premise of the #Oscars,’ Edward Mayes wrote. ‘An odd choice for a pundit.’

Stephen Carty commented: ‘I am really enjoying Jason Isaacs on the Oscars panel. Refreshingly candid & funny. #Oscars2025.’

‘Whoever at ITV decided to get Jason Isaacs as part of their coverage is a genius #Oscars,’ Shelley Johnson praised.

As Joshua Kekana added: ‘Jason Isaacs has no filter. This could be a great night #ITVOscars #Oscars.’

However, after Jason departed the coverage partway through the ceremony, viewers slammed the remaining panelists for ‘bringing the mood down’ and sharing negative responses to the nominees on the biggest night in film.

In scathing comments, some revealed that they were ‘missing’ the normal adverts that the program had replaced.

‘#ITVoscars can we get a panel that aren’t just going to trash the entire show? Thanks,’ Twitter user Dan Kirkwood urged.

‘I never thought I’d miss adverts when watching ITV. #ITVOscars,’ Michael Fraser quipped.

BryanMc ranted: ‘#ITVOscars dreadful just dreadful from the panel. Can you not find people who actually like movies?’

Sam tweeted: ‘Not one bit of fun or joy, just a constant attack on every single film. an audience with no participation. just give me the adverts instead next time. #ITVOscars.’

Jake replied: ‘This ITV coverage of the oscars is abysmal im sorry, would rather watch ads than listen to the opinions of this awful panel, who clearly haven’t watched any of the films nominated this year #Oscars #ITVOscars [sic].’

Jonathan’s pre-Oscars coverage kicked off at 10:30pm in the UK, with the ceremony beginning at midnight.

Conan served as the host of the main ceremony, which is broadcasting on ABC and Hulu in the US – and marked the comedian’s first time taking on presenting duties.

‘I’m just saying yes to things that I wouldn’t have done before. I’m a black belt in karate now. I’m a licensed neurosurgeon,’ he quipped ahead of the ceremony.

‘I mean, there are all these things I’m doing now that I didn’t think I would ever do before.’

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