Yahoo Movies First Dates viewers distracted by Channel 4 technical problems
First Dates viewers took to social media to express their frustration tonight (September 27) as the sound became inaudible due to technical issues.
This evening's episode had a number of problems reported online, including subtitles not working and the voiceovers being so quiet they were hard to make out.
Channel 4 and All 4 went off air on Saturday (September 25) due to a "technical problem" and added today that All 4 was "still experiencing some problems".
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The broadcaster suggested viewers "watch your favourite programmes on television" until the issues were rectified.
The technical difficulties predominantly affected the voiceovers, meaning fans missed large chunks of the introductions to each of the new guests.
Many First Dates viewers aired their concerns on Twitter.
@Channel4 what’s with the sound of the voiceover man on #firstdates? Can’t hear the commentary as the music and sounds are SO loud! 🙄
— Amal (@amal1612) September 27, 2021
Why is the sound so weird on #firstdates like stereo is really loud with no centre.
— James Whitworth (@JamesJWhitworth) September 27, 2021
Can anyone else barely hear the narrator????? 🤷♀️ #FirstDates
— Swalk (@Samanth22356123) September 27, 2021
I can't hear the narrator at all? What's going on? #FirstDates
— Francis (@BearlyYours) September 27, 2021
Someone on the sound editing team is getting fired #FirstDates
— 💉KOTONE💉 (@KotoneFolf) September 27, 2021
Anyone else's sound really weird? Think the voice overs are too quiet. #FirstDates @Channel4 pic.twitter.com/aVEIzU0YG4
— Just Me 💙 (@Nearual) September 27, 2021
I think they left the work experience student in charge of the sound mix on tonight's #FirstDates
— Dave Rose (@djdaverose) September 27, 2021
It’s been painful for a couple of days. Voiceovers are impossible to hear when there’s music playing at the same time. I don’t know who half the people on #FirstDates are because the introductions are inaudible.
— Nicola Grant (@nicolainlondon) September 27, 2021
Many were confused, as the sound issues seemed to primarily affect watching in high definition, but not in standard definition.
Others were frustrated because the subtitles weren't working on the website. Some also reported subtitles not being available on Freeview or Sky either.
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There were a number of accounts from deaf and hard of hearing people saying they had to miss their favourite shows because they were unable to watch without captions.
You’ve had no working subtitles the last few days. It’s very frustrating for deaf people with not many channels. Would you be able to fix this?
— Billy (@Chidorixplays) September 27, 2021
@Channel4 please can you put subtitles back on? None of your programs have any working subtitles at the moment. For a deaf person with not many tv channels it’s very disappointing! Thank you!
— celie (@celiestoreyy) September 27, 2021
The issues were reported with programming earlier in the day as well, including during 24 Hours in Custody.
Last month, the broadcaster also had technical issues during the premiere of Married at First Sight UK, which left viewers unable to see anything on the All 4 website.
Married at First Sight UK also aired on E4 tonight, which was interrupted by technical issues.
Viewers reported that catch-up channel E4+1 was down for much of the evening, showing a generic message that the channel was off air, despite E4 continuing its usual programming.
Channel 4 also dropped off air in July, as issues with its advertising platform caused the All 4 live feed to randomly cut to commercial breaks throughout episodes of Love It or List It and Grand Designs.
Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
First Dates airs on Channel 4.
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