ITV Schedule Shake-up: Soaps in Chaos as Coronation Street and Emmerdale Pulled from Regular Slots
ITV has thrown its television schedule into chaos, leaving fans of its flagship soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, in an uproar. The two iconic shows have been pulled from their regular time slots, leading to confusion and frustration for viewers. This article delves into the reasons behind the schedule shake-up, the reactions from the fans, and what the future holds for these beloved programmes. The disruption has been a major talking point on social media and in the press, with many questioning the broadcaster’s strategy.
Context
The “schedule chaos” began in early February 2026, when ITV announced that both Coronation Street and Emmerdale would be losing a weekly episode and would instead air back-to-back from 8pm, Monday to Friday. This move was made to accommodate other programming, but it has not been well-received by the loyal fanbase of the two soaps. The situation has been further complicated by a major crossover event between the two shows, which has been in the works for months. While the crossover is intended to be a major television event, the constant schedule changes have overshadowed the excitement. The changes have been attributed to a packed sporting schedule, including the Six Nations rugby tournament, which has taken over the usual soap slots. However, this has not placated fans, who feel that the soaps are being treated as a secondary priority. The lack of a consistent schedule has made it difficult for viewers to keep up with the storylines, and many have missed episodes as a result.
Reactions
Fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, with many expressing confusion and anger over the new schedule. The hashtag #ITVScheduleChaos has been trending on X (formerly Twitter), with viewers demanding a return to the regular programming. Many have stated that they are struggling to keep up with the new air times, and some have even threatened to stop watching altogether. The lack of clear communication from ITV has only added to the frustration. While some viewers have expressed excitement about the crossover event, the majority sentiment is one of disappointment and annoyance at the constant disruptions. Viewers have also complained about the quality of the storylines, with some suggesting that the reduced number of episodes has led to a decline in the quality of the writing. The crossover event, which was intended to be a major draw for viewers, has been met with a lukewarm response, with many feeling that it is a cheap gimmick to boost ratings.
Future Outlook
ITV boss Kevin Lygo has confirmed that the new schedule is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. He has defended the decision, stating that it is necessary to accommodate a “blockbuster” year of sport and drama on the channel. While he has acknowledged the frustration of the fans, he has urged them to stick with the shows, promising that the new schedule will eventually become the new normal. The long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen. Will fans adapt to the new schedule, or will the “schedule chaos” lead to a decline in viewership for two of ITV’s most popular shows? Only time will tell. What is clear, however, is that ITV has a lot of work to do to win back the trust and goodwill of its loyal soap audience. A link to the official ITV TV guide can be found here. The broadcaster will need to do a better job of communicating its scheduling decisions to viewers, and it will need to ensure that the quality of the soaps does not suffer as a result of the changes. The future of these iconic shows may depend on it.
