ITV Password viewers 'switch off' within minutes as they all spot same format problem

ITV's new gameshow Password, hosted by Stephen Mangan, was hugely divisive - with some viewers branding it 'awful' and others loving the 'simple' format

Stephen Mangan hosting new ITV gameshow Password

Stephen Mangan is now hosting new ITV gameshow Password (Image: ITV)

ITV's fresh-off-the-boat gameshow, 'Password', premiered on Saturday to a polarised reception. Helmed by Stephen Mangan, the show features celebrity captains Daisy May Cooper and Alan Carr aiding contestants in cracking passwords for a shot at a £10,000 prize purse.

The game's mechanics left some viewers scratching their heads, while others scoffed at the spoiler-laden voiceover that blurted out passwords, thwarting any chance for viewers to join in from their sofas. The host, Stephen Mangan, broke down the rules, clarifying: "The game is simple. Get your partner to guess the password before your opponent does."

Advancing further, he said, "You can only give one-word clues. No made up words, no hand gestures, no miming, no running, no ducking, no bombing...If your partner gets the password on the first clue it's worth 6 points, then 5 points for the second clue and so on."

Mangan then added, "First team to 25 wins the round, win two rounds and you'll go through to the final where you'll be playing for our £10,000 jackpot."

Chatters took to the social platform X, previously known as Twitter, to air their sentiments. James Francis queried, "Why ask if we can guess the #Password when some guy announces it at the beginning of each round, then you show it on screen? ? ? What's the point in this show if we can't play along at home? ", reports Birmingham Live.

Stephen Mangan on red carpet

Stephen Mangan's new show has been hit with backlash (Image: Getty)

Joining the discourse, Queenie lamented, "When we filmed the #Password pilot, the password was only shown to the audience and not said out loud, they should of kept that format as you can't play along as an audience member at home when the password is being said out loud."

Viewers chimed in with polarised reactions regarding the game show 'Password' on social media. Kaitlyn Murphy voiced her confusion, "What the hell is going on? I don't get it."

Peter Brown critiqued the originality of the show: "#Password Can't they develop a new idea for a gameshow? This format has been used several times over the years."

Aidy shared disbelief, asking: "Is this it? Is this a joke? " @philm2244 had a similar sentiment: "We are just watching people playing a rubbish game. I'm out."

Meanwhile, Cornishdude questioned the programme's name: "Why the hell is it called password.. pathetic #Password." Another fan raged: "What were you thinking showing a quiz late on Saturday that nobody can play along with #Password, switched off after 2nd password."

However, not all feedback was negative - some viewers were impressed. Alex admitted, "Actually liking this," and @SocialMediaJon1 echoed the sentiment: "I'm really liking #Password. Simple but funny."

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