Channel 4 axes reality show following backlash from fans

Virgin Radio

16 May 2023, 12:39

Channel 4 has axed one of its reality shows after a heated backlash from fans.

After the success of shows like Rise and Fall and Scared of the Dark, the broadcaster has quietly axed one of its programmes.

According to The Sun, Murder Island won’t be returning for another series.

It first aired on Channel 4 in 2021 and saw members of the public become amateur detectives to try and solve a murder.

The group were brought to a remote island where they were tasked with piecing together information to solve the fiction crime, which was written by novelist Ian Rankin.

Senior investigating officers were at hand to oversee the efforts of each player and offer their advice and expertise if needed.

The broadcaster had even developed an immersive app for the show so viewers could get involved with solving the crime.

An insider told The Sun: “Channel 4 are proud of the production values with Murder Island but have decided the investigation is over.”

According to the publication, a spokesperson for Channel 4 added: "Murder Island was a bold and creative programme that found an engaged audience who were hooked right until the end.

"Our commissioning strategy is to continue to develop new formats and exciting ideas."

The show received a lot of criticism from viewers when it first aired, particularly because it coincided with the sentencing of Wayne Counzens, the former Met Police officer who murdered Sarah Everard.

Taking to Twitter, one viewer of the show said at the time: “A challenge programme on Channel 4 tonight called Murder Island, is that in poor taste or is it just me?  Making murder the theme of a light entertainment show is really crass and even more so in light of recent events”.

Another added: “Murder island being advertised on channel 4? Feels a bit distasteful”.