Pass the remote! The 8 things couples argue about most when watching TV

Ah, TV. The friend that is always there in our times of need. Offering escapism after a busy day at work, or the perfect company on a lazy Sunday.

If only it were that simple. Just like a classic ‘00s rom com, the television is throwing a spanner in the works for couples across the U.K., as a third wheel causing controversy.

We wanted to understand the importance TV plays in our homes and relationships, so we conducted research into exactly that. We found that 87% of U.K. couples argue about the TV at least once a week, and 43% bicker over the box at least four times a week. With 44% of us moving into another room for TV-viewing peace, something must be done!

Here are the eight most common causes of couples’ arguments when watching TV…and some potential solutions.

1. Volume mismatch

Hands up: Who has secretly changed the volume on the TV when their partner has nipped out the room?

Volume preference is the cause of most arguments (41%) between couples. For every person who likes it turned up to the max, there is one half of the couple who likes a more chilled vibe. And it can be hard to find that middle ground (or volume).

Why not try having specific remote-control days – splitting who is in charge on different days. At least then you and your ear drums know what to expect.

2. Deciding what to watch

“No,” “Seen it,” “The reviews for that were rubbish,” “I’m in the mood for a comedy…oh, not that one.”

A five-minute scroll to find something to watch can easily turn into an argument as indecision and opposite interests intervene. Thirty-eight percent of couples bicker about what to watch.

Before you settle into the old routine, give yourselves a fighting chance by deciding on a genre. Or, if you have a smart TV like Roku, let us do the heavy lifting by asking the TV to “Show me the most popular movies this year.”

3. Distracting distractions

Mistaking your better half for an IMDB page is not a good move while their favourite show is on. In fact, asking your partner too many questions while watching TV is the cause of arguments for 32% of couples.

Instead of asking them to summarize all of Game of Thrones in 30 seconds, either wait for an ad break or a quiet moment or give it a quick Google. It might even impress them when you drop some knowledge later. But make sure it’s quick – partners using phones or laptops when a show is on also came up in our research.

4. Falling asleep

Falling asleep on the sofa in your partner’s arms sounds cute. But it can be frustrating too. Especially when you’ve put time into picking what to watch or you need to catch the latest episode that just dropped to ensure you are not ‘out the loop’ the next day.

More than a quarter of us (28%) get annoyed when our partner falls asleep, or when we must rewatch something because they have been catching up on some Zs.

If you are likely to pass out in the first 10 minutes, at least give them a heads up so it is not just the snores that give you away.

5. Remote control

A quarter of couples (25%) say their partner keeping the remote to themselves leads to arguments.

You can avoid running into this issue with Roku TVs, as they all come with a Roku app, which offers an additional remote unit on your phone. The best of both worlds and super handy when the remote goes AWOL down the side of the safe. Simply open your phone to control the TV.

6. Time of your life

We would all like to watch TV whenever we want, but life gets in the way of that dream more often than not. In fact, 20% of people in our research said clashing over exactly when TV time is causes conflict.

Meal planning is a thing, so why not TV planning? Make sure both sides of the relationship are up to date on the other’s plans for the week, so you don’t get disappointed when you suggest sitting down to watch something, only to find they have got other (hopefully not better) plans.

7. Viewing experience

Without going full feng shui, the TV set up can be the difference maker when it comes to keeping everyone happy. Your boyfriend has a favourite seat? Don’t steal their seat every night. Your better half struggles to see the screen when it’s positioned on a table? Think about a wall mount.

Skip the arguments or trips to the GP about a sore neck by putting some science into practice. Measure your room size before purchasing your TV to make sure you get the right size and you both have the perfect view.

For more info on picking the right TV for you, check out our blog to help you select the perfect-sized TV and features for your home.

8. To subtitle or not to subtitle, that is the question

Scandi crime dramas. Romantic French classics. Asian horror movies. Sometimes subtitles are essential to get the most out of your TV-watching experience. But it also sometimes causes arguments. We have all had that moment of realisation when we are reading the subtitles on an English show because we forgot to turn them off!

Subtitles can be necessary, but make sure you’ve both decided which way to go before hitting play.

The reasons couples argue about TV are as varied and numerous as the shows you can watch on it. But there is usually a solution to avoid any major fallouts. All it usually takes is a little bit of compromise and common sense to make sure the love triangle between couples of TV has a happy ending.