The top TV-related arguments include deciding what to watch, someone talking over the TV – and how loud the volume should be, a survey has revealed.
Falling asleep while watching something, or asking too many questions during a show or film, are other common bugbears during screen-time.
And even the height of the TV screen has caused squabbles – as ten per cent believe their TV screen is too small.
The research, commissioned by streaming service Roku, polled 2,000 couples who live together – and found that 19% feel irritated on a daily basis over their partner's TV habits.
In fact, television is one of the most common causes of arguments among couples at home, resulting in up to four squabbles a week – with 44% having moved to a different room so they can enjoy their favourite shows in peace.
More than a quarter of those (27%) who have rowed over the TV have even ended up buying another one as a result.
Meanwhile, 26% believe increasing the size of their TV would help reduce arguments – as one in ten believe theirs is too small.
Sally Nelson, director of UK product at Roku, said: “We now know the typical Brit spends nearly 15 hours a week watching TV – and over half of that is with their partner. It is a big part of our lives, so no wonder it causes household squabbles.”
When it comes to those with children, dads (51%) seem more bothered than mums (31%) about wanting full control over the remote at all times.
And 37% of all parents think arguments would be less common if their favourite seat was always left free.
But 56% would rather battle with their partner than their kids, when it comes to who has control over the remote and what to watch.
And 35% of all those polled would like an extra screen in the house to guarantee argument-free entertainment.
However, while 10% reckon their telly is too small, 5% go the other way and think theirs is too big – although 85% are in the “just right” camp.
The research also found 42% have resisted the urge to put a TV in their bedroom – but 7% caved, under duress from their partner.
When it comes to TV preferences, the study, carried out via OnePoll, found size matters the most for half of Brits, who consider screen size to be one of the most important features – followed by sound quality, and price.
Sally Nelson, from Roku, added: “Putting more screens in the house is probably one of the most effective ways to eradicate arguments over the TV.
“We have seen there is also an appetite for bigger screens – spearheaded by men – with 60% of Brits currently having a 50” TV or smaller at home.”
TOP 15 TV-RELATED ARGUMENTS:
- The volume
- Deciding what to watch
- Asking too many questions while watching something
- Talking over something
- Spending too much time choosing what to watch
- Falling asleep during something
- Having to rewatch something because your partner missed it, due to falling asleep or going out
- Using a mobile phone or other devices during a show or a film
- Hogging the remote
- Losing or misplacing the remote
- Watching an episode of a show you usually watch together, without the other person
- Deciding what time to watch something
- Who sits where, or if someone is in your favourite seat
- The height of the TV/screen
- Whether to have English voice-over for foreign shows, or watch them in original language with subtitles
