British TV channel cops criticism for showing The Emoji Movie rather than the Queen's funeral

Channel 5 in the UK has come under fire for choosing to air The Emoji Movie instead of the Queen's funeral.

While every other British TV network dropped its usual programming on September 19 in order to screen the Monarch's final moments in public, Channel 5 decided to go against the grain and opted for a movie that has been critically panned.

Even UK pornography channels halted screenings until the Queen's funeral was over.

But not Channel 5 - it's The Emoji Movie or bust, apparently.

The film features James Corden as a character called Hi-5. Patrick Stewart, who has won Olivier, Tony, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild awards, also showed off his versatility by playing the Poop emoji.

Quality stuff.

Anyway, people on social media lashed out at the network's slightly odd decision.

One Twitter user said: "Seriously though, shame on Channel 5 for showing The Emoji Movie during the Queen's funeral. Such disrespect."

Another added: "Are they out of their minds? The Emoji Movie - of all movies - airing over the funeral. Is this some kind of joke?"

A third tweeted: "Channel 5 should be ashamed of themselves for showing one of the worst movies ever made during the Queen’s funeral. Just makes me hate The Emoji Movie even more."

Others were amused by Channel 5's film of choice.

On Twitter one person said: "Channel 5 said f**k the Queen and her funeral. We're watching The Emoji Movie."

A second commented: "You would have loved The Emoji Movie on Channel 5 during your funeral mate. You would have loved it. Rest in peace, mate."

While a third added: "The Emoji Movie showing on Channel 5 during the Queen's funeral (who instead are airing films for kids) - is probably the most anyone has talked about The Emoji Movie since 2017."

It is understood that the film did briefly pause for the two minutes of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II.

As the day of the Queen’s funeral was declared a bank holiday, schools were closed, which may have factored into Channel 5's decision.

One Twitter user noted: "Really don’t understand the criticism of Channel 5 for showing The Emoji Movie and Stuart Little during the Queen’s funeral. What are kids of families who don’t have paid TV/streaming supposed to do otherwise, sit and watch white people in suits look overly sad for six hours?"

So there you have it.

Maybe the Queen would have hated it, maybe she would have thought Channel 5's move was hilarious.

Who is to say, really.

But we'll bet it kept some little ones quiet.

Featured Image Credit: Jack Sullivan / Alamy. Sony Pictures.

Topics: News, TV and Film, UK News, The Queen

Rachel Lang

Rachel Lang is a Digital Journalist at LADbible. During her career, she has interviewed Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the 2016 federal election, ran an editorial campaign on the war in Yemen, and reported on homelessness in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor. She also once wrote a yarn on the cheese and wine version of Fyre Festival.

@rlangjournalist