Mrs Brown is back for another festive adventure! The beloved Irish sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys returns with two brand-new special episodes this Christmas season, bringing the chaotic antics of Agnes Brown and her family to BBC One on Christmas Day (Monday, December 23, 2025) at 11:00 PM and New Year’s Day. Fans of the long-running comedy can expect the signature blend of family drama, slapstick humor, and heartfelt moments that have made the series a December tradition since 2011.
What Happens in Mammy’s Bottles: The Christmas Special
In the Christmas special titled Mammy’s Bottles, Agnes embarks on a nostalgic journey that centers on the true meaning of family. The episode sees Mrs. Brown gathering her closest relatives together for a family photo session—a seemingly simple task that quickly spirals into characteristic comedy chaos.
Buster, her comedic foil, once again unveils one of his signature Christmas trees, this time designed with maximum visual impact for maximum laughs. Meanwhile, Cathy finds herself stressed about the perennial holiday dilemma: what presents to buy everyone in the family? The special captures the warmth of family togetherness mixed with the inevitable friction that comes when the Brown clan congregates under one roof during the festive season.
The episode balances sentiment with humor, reminding viewers why the show has remained a fixture of BBC Christmas schedules for over a decade. O’Carroll has previously stated his love for writing Christmas episodes, noting that he plans Christmas special content all year long, treating the festive episodes as a separate creative endeavor with their own unique traditions.
Stormin’ Mammy: New Year Brings High Tension and Surprises
The New Year special, Stormin’ Mammy, takes a dramatically different tone. With tensions running high as Agnes and the gang prepare for an incoming storm, the episode shifts from cozy Christmas comfort to edge-of-your-seat excitement.
Buster faces his own challenge when he nervously awaits a birthday parachute jump—a comedic setup ripe with potential for slapstick mishaps. Elsewhere, Winnie receives a shocking surprise that will shake up the family dynamics, while a lost nun seeks help from the Brown household. This special promises more unpredictable scenarios and the kind of unexpected twists that keep the show’s loyal audience entertained.
The Cast: Family Members Bringing Authenticity to the Screen
Brendan O’Carroll leads the ensemble as Agnes Brown (Mammy), the foul-mouthed but loving matriarch of the family. O’Carroll created the character over three decades ago, first developing Agnes as a stage character in the early 1990s before adapting her for radio, books, film, and eventually television. Now 69 years old, O’Carroll continues to write, direct, and star in the series alongside real-life family members and close friends, creating an authentic family dynamic that resonates with audiences.
The supporting cast includes:
- Jennifer Gibney as Cathy Brown (O’Carroll’s real-life wife)
- Danny O’Carroll as Buster Brady (O’Carroll’s son)
- Paddy Houlihan as Dermot Brown (writer and family friend)
- Eilish O’Carroll as Winnie McGoogan (O’Carroll’s sister)
- Fiona O’Carroll as Maria Brown (O’Carroll’s daughter)
- Dermot O’Neill as Grandad Brown
The casting of real family members gives the show its distinctive warmth and allows for natural chemistry that translates to authentic comedy moments on screen.
Production Details: A BBC Studios and Irish Partnership
The Mrs Brown’s Boys festive specials are produced by BBC Studios Comedy in partnership with BOC-PIX and Irish broadcaster RTE. This tri-country collaboration showcases the show’s international appeal and production quality.
The two 30-minute specials were commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, with Steven Canny and Josh Cole serving as Executive Producers for BBC Studios Comedy. Brendan O’Carroll and Fiona Gibney represent BOC-PIX, while Justin Healy oversees production for RTE. Gregor Sharp serves as the BBC’s Commissioning Editor.
This production structure reflects the show’s hybrid nature as British-Irish entertainment, filmed primarily in the Republic of Ireland but broadcast across both territories and the wider UK.
Viewership and Cultural Impact: From Peak to Steady Popularity
Mrs Brown’s Boys has been a Christmas institution since the television series debuted in 2011. The early Christmas specials captured massive audiences—the 2013 Christmas special drew an impressive 11.52 million viewers, establishing the show as a genuine cultural event. However, viewership has gradually declined over the past decade, reflecting broader shifts in television consumption patterns.
The 2024 Christmas special attracted 2.2 million viewers, a significant drop from previous years but still representing a substantial audience that values the show as part of their festive tradition. Despite criticism from some corners of the media, the show continues to secure annual commissions, indicating that the BBC views it as fulfilling a specific audience need.
In 2024, Mrs Brown’s Boys won a National Television Award for Comedy, even as viewership declined, suggesting the show maintains a dedicated and passionate fanbase. Brendan O’Carroll has committed to continuing the series as long as the BBC wants to commission it, saying “As long as the BBC say keep making it I’m going to keep making it.”
A Decade of Christmas Tradition
Since launching in 2011, Mrs Brown’s Boys has become more than just a sitcom—it’s become a ritual. The show returns annually for Christmas and New Year specials without fail, creating a unique tradition where viewers know they can count on Agnes Brown and her clan to provide festive entertainment.
The special episodes often incorporate Christmas-specific storylines, seasonal decorations (with Buster’s trees becoming a running gag), and festive family drama that mirrors the real-world chaos many families experience during the holidays. Critics have noted that the Christmas specials have been essential to maintaining the show’s cultural footprint, particularly among audiences aged 45 and above.
How to Watch
The Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special airs on BBC One on Monday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 PM, while the New Year special will follow on BBC One on January 1, 2026. Both episodes will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to catch up at their convenience.
For those wanting to binge previous episodes or refresh their memory before the new specials, BBC iPlayer hosts the complete archive of Mrs Brown’s Boys episodes, including past Christmas and New Year specials.
Brendan O’Carroll’s Creative Process and Future Projects
O’Carroll has revealed insights into how he approaches writing for the show, noting that many storylines are based on true events from his own family or stories shared by viewers. He explained: “The ideas for these episodes are no different from the previous 53 episodes. Believe it or not most of the storylines are based on true events that either happened to my family or have been told to me by people about their families.”
Looking ahead, O’Carroll is expanding his creative portfolio. He’s currently involved in Shedites, a new BBC comedy special featuring several Mrs Brown’s Boys cast members including Danny O’Carroll, Paddy Houlihan, and Phil Davis. The show, set to air during the 2025 festive season, follows a group of men at a community space where they build and repair items while forming unlikely friendships.
Why Mrs Brown’s Boys Remains a BBC Priority
Despite declining viewership and occasional critical backlash, the BBC continues to commission Mrs Brown’s Boys because it serves a specific purpose in the programming schedule. The show appeals to a demographic that values traditional comedy, family-centered humor, and accessible entertainment without complex narrative arcs.
The show has proven controversial at times—including a 2024 incident where filming was paused after O’Carroll made an offensive joke during rehearsals—but these controversies haven’t derailed the show’s continued production.
Ultimately, Mrs Brown’s Boys represents a form of comfort television for millions of British and Irish viewers who view the annual specials as part of their festive ritual, much like Christmas dinner itself.
Final Thoughts: A Festive Tradition Continues
The 2025 Christmas and New Year specials of Mrs Brown’s Boys promise to deliver what loyal fans have come to expect: family chaos, slapstick humor, and heartfelt moments wrapped in festive wrapping. Whether you’re a long-time devotee or someone looking for light-hearted holiday entertainment, tune in to BBC One this Christmas season to watch Agnes Brown and her crew navigate their annual festive adventures.
Don’t miss Mammy’s Bottles on Christmas Day and Stormin’ Mammy on New Year’s Day—your favorite Irish family’s holiday chaos awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas specials air?
The Christmas special (Mammy’s Bottles) airs on BBC One on Monday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 PM, while the New Year special (Stormin’ Mammy) airs on New Year’s Day 2026.
How can I watch if I miss the live broadcast?
Both specials will be available on BBC iPlayer for on-demand streaming, allowing you to watch at your convenience.
Who stars in Mrs Brown’s Boys?
Brendan O’Carroll leads the cast as Agnes Brown, with real-life family members including Jennifer Gibney, Danny O’Carroll, and Paddy Houlihan making up the core ensemble.
What is Mammy’s Bottles about?
The Christmas special follows Agnes as she gathers her family for a photo, with storylines involving Buster’s elaborate Christmas tree and Cathy’s gift-buying anxieties.
What happens in Stormin’ Mammy?
The New Year special sees the family preparing for a storm, with subplots involving Buster’s birthday parachute jump, Winnie’s shocking surprise, and a lost nun seeking help.
Why have viewership numbers declined?
Viewership has gradually fallen from 11.52 million in 2013 to 2.2 million in 2024, likely due to changing television consumption habits and a shift toward streaming services.
Is this the final season of Mrs Brown’s Boys?
No official end date has been announced. Brendan O’Carroll has stated he’ll continue making the show as long as the BBC commissions it.
Where is Mrs Brown’s Boys filmed?
The show is filmed in Ireland and produced through a partnership between BBC Studios, BOC-PIX, and Irish broadcaster RTE.
Can I watch previous Mrs Brown’s Boys episodes?
Yes, the complete archive of all 43+ previous episodes is available on BBC iPlayer.
What other projects is Brendan O’Carroll working on?
O’Carroll is currently involved in Shedites, a new BBC comedy special set to air during the 2025 festive season, which also features several Mrs Brown’s Boys cast members
