Forget old-school house rules — when it comes to evenings on the sofa, modern Britain has spoken. Whether it’s a family film night or a boxset binge, there’s now an unwritten code of conduct governing the nation’s living rooms… and at the heart of it all? The dog absolutely belongs there.
New research from EE reveals that 43% of Brits say their favourite part of the day is settling in front of the TV in the evening — and it turns out, how we do that matters just as much as what we’re watching. From strict “no spoiler” policies to snack-sharing etiquette, the modern sofa comes with its own set of expectations. And in a major cultural shift, dogs aren’t just allowed — they’re practically VIPs, with 78% of dog-owning households assigning their pooch a dedicated spot.
Here are the 10 sofa rules modern Brits take most seriously:
1. No shoes on the sofa (32%)
Still the golden rule. Whatever chaos unfolds during the film, muddy trainers on the cushions are simply unacceptable.
2. No spoilers (30%)
Nothing divides a room faster than someone revealing what’s about to happen. Nearly a third of Brits say this is completely off-limits.
3. Phones on silent (27%)
If you’re watching, you’re watching. Constant notifications are officially a mood killer.
4. No talking over the show (27%)
Commentary is not welcome. Whether it’s a twisty drama or a rom-com, chatter can wait.
5. Always share snacks (26%)
An unspoken rule turned official — if you bring snacks, you bring enough for everyone.
6. No loud chewing (19%)
Nothing ruins a tense scene like someone crunching crisps at full volume.
7. No hogging the remote (18%)
Control must be democratic. One person ruling the remote is a fast track to an argument.
8. Dogs ARE allowed on the sofa (18%)
Not only allowed — expected. In fact, many believe they deserve their own dedicated spot.
9. No snoring during the film (18%)
If you fall asleep, at least do it quietly.
10. Always use a coaster (17%)
Protect the furniture at all costs — tea rings are not part of the aesthetic.
Beyond the rules, the research highlights just how seriously Brits take their viewing habits. Nearly 40% admit they’ve judged others for poor TV etiquette, while more than half say they regularly argue over what to watch — on average six times a month. It’s no surprise, then, that despite TV being a bonding activity for many, it can just as easily spark debate.
Kelly Engstrom, Brand and Marketing Communications Director at EE said: “We know the real challenge isn’t just how or what to watch on TV, it’s making sure everyone in the household can find something they love.
“EE TV offers flexible access to a wide range of content from live sport to entertainment, and all on the UK’s best network, so every mood, personality and demand on the sofa is met.”
And as for the biggest sofa offenders? Dogs may have earned their place, but they’re also the most likely to steal it — with 17% of Brits saying their pet regularly nabs someone else’s seat, closely followed by dads at 15%.
In the end, whether you’re watching drama (the nation’s top genre), comedy, or true crime, one thing is clear: the modern British sofa is a shared space — governed by rules, full of personalities and always just a little bit of chaos.
The findings presented in this release are based on a nationally representative online survey conducted for EE via research and insights agency Perspectus Global in February 2026.
