Aye, catch yourself on.
Public service broadcasters in the UK have made it a legal requirement to produce “distinctively British” programmes under new plans in government.
While giving examples of what these shows may be, Derry Girls was used, and let us tell you, people are not at all impressed by it.
Media minister John Whittingdale spoke about the hit Northern Irish series, claiming it reflected British values much like other UK based shows.
He said the Channel 4 comedy “very clearly” passed the test as it’s “very clearly set in Northern Ireland at a particularly challenging time.”
Adding that by Britishness, he meant “reflecting all parts of the UK,” Irish viewers of the show were left completely baffled, assuming he had never seen the series.
But one stood out above others, with Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney pointing out just how very un-British Derry Girls can be.
She wrote on Twitter: “Derry Girls is made by a British company and aired by a British channel. But it’s not a “distinctively British” programme. But what would I know?”
Derry Girls is made by a British company and aired by a British channel. But it’s not a “distinctively British” programme.
But what would I know ? https://t.co/7h6dQU2nux— Siobhán McSweeney (@siobhni) September 16, 2021
…Tell me you haven't watched Derry Girls without telling me you haven't watched Derry Girls. 😂 https://t.co/xdIQuffd3e
— Chris (@Chris_afec) September 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/AoifeMawn/status/1438486240500781058
Using Derry Girls as an example of a "distinctly British" show 😂😂
Once again the Brits are never not at it! pic.twitter.com/6eCszTu1JV
— Karen Ⓥ 🇵🇸 (@KCRon121) September 16, 2021
i just love that the idea that Derry Girls is "distinctively British" https://t.co/CrMX827zU8 pic.twitter.com/WMGZZSSceU
— Jack_Saul (@JackSaulLondon) September 16, 2021
One fan replied to her tweet with a picture from the show when Michelle says: “that’s English for you, f**king savages,” while another said: “isn’t that right Sister Michael.”
Other fans were just as confused as to how this made the list, with one adding: “”oh no they took Derry Girls and called it British”
aye wait till ye hear about Derry.”
Another said: “Are we watching the same version?”
A third wrote: “Tell me you haven’t watched Derry Girls without telling me you haven’t watched Derry Girls.”
Another pointed out that there’s a reason it isn’t called “Londonderry Girls.”
