Michael Sheen's debut as new host of House Of Games draws mixed reviews as viewers claim the show has 'lost its humour' after 'irreplaceable' Richard Osman's departure

Published: 09:05 BST, 6 October 2026 | Updated: 09:11 BST, 6 October 2026

Michael Sheen's debut as the new host of House Of Games has drawn mixed reviews from fans, as some said he pales in comparison to the 'irreplaceable' Richard Osman.

The Celebrity Traitors star has taken over as the presenter of the hit BBC show, and fans took to social media to share their thoughts after his debut on Monday.

Michael took his seat in the famous red chair alongside contestants Andi Peters, Stephen Mangan, Shona McGarty and Nina Wadia.

Richard had announced in March that he was stepping down from House Of Games after nine years as host, to focus on his writing and other presenting work.

The popular format challenges four contestants to go toe-to-toe in testing their general knowledge skills over a series of consecutive days – with a daily winner announced and a champion at the end of each week. 

While some warmed to Michael as a host, others have shared on X that he lacks the 'humour' that Richard brought to the show.

Michael Sheen's debut as the new host of House Of Games has drawn mixed reviews from fans, as some said he pales in comparison to the 'irreplaceable' Richard Osman

They wrote: 'Should’ve got a comedian to replace Richard. #houseofgames feels like it’s lost the humour now and is a bit dull;'

'#houseofgames great new presenter who doesn't say 'what do you think at home?' or 'shall we?' every 30 seconds;'

'Unlike the new #Strictly presenters the beeb seem to have nailed the House of Games new presenter, love Michael Sheen in that chair! Richard was a very tough act to follow but he seems like he has been doing it for years;'

'Well done, Michael Sheen. A perfect start as the new host of #HouseOfGames;'

'Few people are truly irreplaceable on a show, but Richard Osman is, Michael Sheen is very good but it’s just not the same.'

The Telegraph's Benji Wilson also noted that Michael 'lacks Richard's stature' to take over the show, writing in his three-star review: 'Sheen’s first episode was a masterclass in circumspection. 

'He took a resolutely Hippocratic approach – first, do no harm – which he implemented by doing almost nothing at all. He read the questions from the teleprompter, he smiled at the guests and he made one, possibly two, jokes.'

Speaking on his podcast The Rest is Entertainment, Richard previously shared how Michael would be making the show his own.

Richard had announced in March that he was stepping down from House Of Games after nine years as host, to focus on his writing and other presenting work

While some warmed to Michael as a host, others have shared on X that he lacks the 'humour' that Richard brought to the show

He said: 'One of the things they’re currently doing is producing prizes with his face on. So it will be called Michael Sheen’s House of Games.’

Richard added: 'We all want everyone to know how delighted we are Michael’s doing it. So there’s a continuation.

'I want to welcome him as well. He’s got the best team in telly there and he’ll have an absolute ball.’ 

Addressing whether he would ever return as a player, Richard said yes, but not in the near future.

He elaborated: 'I think that's too meta and you have to let someone get their feet under the table.

'But one day I'd love to. In a few years. Christmas week or something like that.'

Richard ended with: '‘I wish him such luck. I messaged him the other day and said this is such a fun show to do and such a lovely gang. 

'It’s a great show for him and he’s a great host for it.'

Michael is also appearing on the new series of Celebrity Traitors, and after being chosen as a Faithful, has managed to avoid being murdered, so far.