EMMERDALE fans have hit out at the soap over its frequent use of flashbacks and flashforwards,
with many vowing to stop watching if the trend continues.
The ITV soap has started to frequently incorporate time-jumping devices into their storytelling, and viewers are not loving it.
Several took to an online forum to express their frustration.
One viewer commented: “Just wondered what people’s thoughts were on these? I’m not a fan to be honest, it was interesting when they had one last year (I think it was when Lydia’s rapist was found in the field), and now it seems to be a regular thing.”
Another fan agreed, adding: “Yeah I’m not a fan, I was when it was a one-off on both Emmerdale and Coronation Street, but it feels like it’s in every single episode and 99% of them aren’t needed.”
It comes after the soap featured a string of flashforwards during its New Year’s Eve episode, teasing upcoming storylines for 2025.
The dramatic scenes previewed major arcs, including Ruby’s struggles with her abusive father Anthony, Marlon and Rhona’s distress over April’s disappearance, and Dawn’s suspicions about her stepmother Kim.
However, some fans feel the technique is being overused.
One frustrated viewer posted: “They need to concentrate on the present never mind the past or distant future.”
Another echoed the sentiment, saying: “No interest. It’s a huge mistake ITV are making with both soaps. People like soaps for the day-to-day real aspect of them. They’re not looking for fancy effects.”
Despite the backlash, some viewers defended the decision, arguing that flashbacks can add intrigue when used effectively.
“I don’t mind it when it is to do with current events in the show like Anthony’s murder,” one fan wrote. “I like not knowing everything as it happens. Keeps the show interesting.”
Emmerdale star reveals multiple people die in terrifying limo crash and leaves villagers consumed by grief
But for many, the balance has tipped too far. Someone else concluded: “I think they work on occasions, but I feel Emmerdale have overused it now.”
Sadly, annoyed viewers are in for even more flashforwards in the not-so-distant future as an episode is coming up where one will be used to show a limo left in a precarious position on a lake.
Fans will be left guessing whether or not the passengers in the vehicle will survive the crash.
