Britain’s Got Talent makes major change to semi-finals after 18 years

Britain’s Got Talent just hit the refresh button in a major way. After nearly two decades of tradition, the iconic show is flipping the script on how its semi-finals will play out. 

Big Change After 18 Years: What’s Happening?

For 18 years straight, BGT semi-finals were broadcast over a whirlwind week—bam, bam, bam, all leading up to the big finale. It’s been a high-stakes sprint that had fans glued to their screens for seven days straight. But now, ITV has announced a bold new format that spreads the drama, the dreams, and the golden confetti across five weekends.

Yes, you read that right. Instead of the semi-finals airing across consecutive nights, they’ll now land on your screens every Saturday night for five weeks. It’s a slow burn approach that kicks off on Saturday, April 26 at 7pm. Same explosive talent, just with a little more breathing room.

Why the Shift to Saturdays?

Now, ITV hasn’t dished out a whole manifesto on why they’re switching things up, but let’s read between the lines for a second.

Saturday night is prime-time gold. It’s when families gather, popcorn pops, and remote controls don’t get shared without a fight. By planting the semi-finals squarely in the Saturday night slot, ITV is making sure maximum eyes are on the screen. This move could boost viewership, stretch out the buzz, and turn each weekend into a mini BGT celebration. Smart play? Looks like it.

Fan Reactions: Mixed Feels or Full Support?

As with any major switch-up, fans are already talking—and opinions are flying. Some are thrilled, calling it a brilliant way to make BGT feel fresh again. Others? A bit hesitant. Change, after all, is never easy for die-hard viewers who’ve stuck with the show for years.

But here’s the truth—this move adds suspense. Instead of the semi-finals racing past in a single week, viewers now have time to digest, debate, and get invested. That’s more time for water-cooler chats, social media buzz, and family arguments over who deserves to go through.

Britain’s Got Talent: Evolving with the Times

Let’s face it: TV has changed. Streaming, social media, and the endless scroll have all pushed traditional formats to adapt. This latest move by ITV shows that Britain’s Got Talent isn’t just keeping up—it’s setting the pace.

By breaking away from the same-old semi-final setup, the show is betting big on drama, anticipation, and that all-important weekly ritual of tuning in live. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off with record ratings and unforgettable moments.