BBC's Famous Five adaptation met with mixed reaction as viewers criticise music

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The BBC has released its new TV adaptation of Enid Blyton
The BBC has released its new TV adaptation of Enid Blyton's the Famous Five book series (Image: BBC/Moonage Pictures/James Pardon)

The new adaptation of the Famous Five has been met with criticism from some viewers, who felt that the soundtrack in particular didn't compliment the setting of the BBC series.

The show is based on Enid Blyton's beloved book series of the same name, which launched in 1942 with the publication of the novel Five on a Treasure Island. The first of three episodes of the show was titled the Curse of Kirrin Island.

The Famous Five follows the adventures of George (played by Diaana Babnicova), Julian (Elliott Rose), Anne (Flora Jacoby Richardson) and Dick (Kit Rakusen). They are part of a group that also includes their canine companion Timmy.

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BBC's Famous Five adaptation met with mixed reaction as viewers criticise music eiqrtiqqqihqinvThe BBC's adaptation of Enid Blyton's the Famous Five book series was launched last month (BBC/Moonage Pictures/James Pardon)

The first episode originally aired on CBBC on December 9, but was broadcast on BBC One over the weekend on New Year's Eve. It prompted reaction from some viewers, who shared their thoughts on X - formerly known as Twitter.

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Although some viewers enjoyed it, the episode was met with a mixed reaction, which included criticism over the soundtrack. Some viewers suggested that it didn't fit the time period, with the show set in the late 1930s.

One person wrote: "I love the music BUT it just doesn't work with the story or period." Further sharing their thoughts in a tweet, they added about the show's first episode: "And the story, scripts, the costumes, hair, acting is all out of place."

Similarly reacting to the soundtrack, another tweeted: "I was looking forward to the new version of #TheFamousFive but the title sequence & music put me right off!" They added: "Absolutely zero attempt to give a sense of time & place."

"It's, ya know, fine - but it's got a super ambient electronic score that feels like it's from a totally different film - which is a hell of a bold choice. I can't decide if it elevates the whole thing or feels completely out of place," read a third tweet.

A fourth viewer said: "Having trouble with this soundtrack on #FamousFive." They further commented: "Love a bit of ambient electronic, but it just seems a bit... anachronistic to have that backdrop to a 1939 adventure film."

Another viewer described the title sequence as "awful," whilst other complaints included that some of the scenes appeared visually "distorted". Whilst some complained that elements of the books had been changed for the show.

BBC's Famous Five adaptation met with mixed reaction as viewers criticise musicThe cast includes Kit Rakusen (left), Kip the dog (centre left) Diaana Babnicova (centre), Flora Jacoby Richardson (centre right) and Elliott Rose (right) (BBC/Moonage Pictures/James Pardon)

And although some viewers didn't seem to be impressed, not everyone felt that way. One fan wrote: "Absolutely top work from all involved in this." They added in a tweet: "Took me back to reading the books as kid. Proper adventure!"

"I'm not understanding the negativity about the new 'The Famous Five' series on the BBC. I personally think it was fun, enjoyable and memorable. Well done to the cast and crew," another viewer wrote in their response to the first episode.

Sharing their thoughts, someone else wrote recently: "I feel like the only person who is thoroughly enjoying the #famousfive on BBC. I loved the books growing up and they provided me so much comfort. I really hope they make the Secret Island too as that was always my favourite."

Another fan said: "All I can say is how BRILLIANT it was. [...] Amazing stuff, I loved it." Whilst one person tweeted: "Really enjoyed the [new] adaptation. Good cast. Well shot. A nice classic feel to it. Looking forward to the rest."

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"Quite enjoyed [it, though] nothing can beat the original books read as a child and the imagination you build up of the characters, locations etc from Enid Blyton's written words but the tone was pretty much there," one fan said.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children's and Education, told us: "Bringing these books to life with a new reimagining of The Famous Five is a real treat for BBC audiences and a celebration of British heritage. These stories are loved around the world and bringing families together is a key part of our strategy so we hope it introduces a new generation of viewers to these wonderful adventures."

Joel Leaver

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