Here’s the official statement from the BBC as covered by Us Weekly, followed by a thorough 600-word report:
BBC’s Official Statement to Us Weekly
“Our sympathies are with the Osbourne family at this difficult time. We are respecting the family’s wishes to wait a bit longer before airing this very special film. The new date will be confirmed shortly.” (The Times)
In-Depth Coverage: BBC Pulls ‘Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home’ From Tonight’s Schedule
In a move that stunned both fans and the broadcast industry, the BBC abruptly pulled the documentary “Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home” from its Monday, August 18, 9 PM slot. The decision emerged just hours before it was set to premiere on BBC One, as the network chose to stand down the film to “respect the family’s wishes.” A repeat episode of Fake or Fortune took its place instead (EW.com, MusicRadar, The Times).
A Deeply Personal Tribute Delayed
Originally conceived in 2022 as a multi-episode docuseries titled Home to Roost, the project evolved into a one-hour special—“Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home”—as Ozzy’s health declined. Spanning three years of intimate footage, it chronicles his family’s move from Los Angeles back to the UK, his battle with Parkinson’s and other ailments, and culminates in his final onstage appearance—a homecoming performance in Birmingham just weeks before his passing on July 22, 2025 (The Guardian, People.com, Wikipedia, Society Of Rock).
This “moving and inspirational” film included heartfelt contributions from his wife Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack, capturing raw emotion, humor, and the love that defined his final chapter (The Guardian, Contact Music, EntertainmentNow).
Family Concerns Prompt Last-Minute Pull
According to insider reports, Ozzy’s widow, Sharon Osbourne, was reportedly “upset” with how the narrative shifted—especially in light of competitive pressure from a pending Paramount+ documentary, Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now, slated for October. The BBC is said to have modified the film from its original concept into a tribute of his last days, a change that may have contributed to the family’s reluctance to proceed with the scheduled airing (The Times, The Sun).
BBC’s Empathy, But Not Silence
The BBC expressed condolences to the Osbourne family and emphasized that the delay is a temporary, respectful decision. They reaffirmed their commitment to finding an appropriate airtime and assured viewers that a new transmission date will be announced soon (The Times, EW.com).
What Lies Ahead—and What the Documentary Captures
Fans eager to see Ozzy’s final journey—through health struggles, a return to his roots, and final stage appearance—must now wait. The documentary had promised a rare, unfiltered look at the resilient, iconoclastic rocker’s humanity and family bonds; its postponement only amplifies the anticipation for its eventual release (The Guardian, People.com).
Meanwhile, the competing Paramount+ documentary is drawing attention, raising the question of which portrayal fans will see first—if indeed the BBC decides to release its version later in the year (The Times).
Summary
- Documentary Title: Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home
- Original Air Date: Scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025, at 9 PM on BBC One (and iPlayer)
- Status: Pulled last minute; replaced with repeat programming
- Reason: To respect the Osbourne family’s wishes; Sharon reportedly upset at documentary’s tone/timing
- Upcoming: BBC to announce a new air date soon
- Film Focus: Ozzy’s final years—his return to the UK, health decline, last performance, family life
- Alternate Documentary: Paramount+’s Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now planned for an October releas