Here’s Why the BBC Paused Ozzy Osbourne Documentary

The long-awaited documentary on Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne was pulled from the BBC’s schedule out of respect for the Osbourne family’s wishes.

Less than one month after the legendary rocker died at age 76, a BBC spokesperson told BBC News that the Osbourne family requested to halt the airing of the documentary “Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home,” which has been set to air on Aug. 18.

“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 spokesperson told the outlet. “The new [transmission] date will be confirmed shortly.”

Fans Reacted After the Ozzy Osbourne Documentary Was Pulled at the Last Minute

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The documentary, titled “Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home,” was originally scheduled to air on BBC One on Aug. 18, but hours before the airtime, a source told E! News there was a last-minute scheduling change. “The film has moved in the schedules,” a BBC spokesperson said. “We’ll confirm new [transmission] details in due course.”

No reason was given for the change, but fans agreed that it may have been too soon for the family after losing Osbourne on July 22.

“The family has been grieving for Ozzy. It would not be right to show the last three years of his life, less than a month since Ozzy’s passing. It is up to Ozzy’s family, when they show the documentary or not,” one fan wrote on Instagram.

“May he rest in peace, may his family be respected,” another wrote.

“It was the right decision.♥️,“ a third fan agreed.

‘Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home’ Was Originally Conceived As a TV Series

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“Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home” was originally supposed to be a TV series. In 2022, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the series, initially titled “Home To Roost,” would follow the Osbournes as they “attempt to re-start their lives in rural Buckinghamshire” after moving back to England after spending more than two decades in the United States.

The project was later announced as a documentary instead of a full series. In a teaser posted by the BBC on Aug. 7, the film was touted as an “intimate” look at  “the final chapter” of Osbourne’s life in the UK with his wife, Sharon, and two of their kids, Kelly and Jack.

Clare Sillery, BBC’s head of documentaries, told the outlet, “We are honored to have had the opportunity to film with Ozzy and his family. The film captures an intimate glimpse into their journey as they prepare to return to the UK. It features family moments, humor, reflection, and shows the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzy’s fans and viewers as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Following Osbourne’s death, Deadline reported that producers remained in talks about the future of the documentary and were “mindful of respecting the family’s wishes following Ozzy’s death.”