No they can't turn it off, that is the only time on Sunday morning that I can take time out and tune into the omnibus program and escape. A few of the characters might be snobbish but as I am unlikely to come into contact with any of them in my 'real' world it is no problem. I am not a completely devoted follower not missing a single episode but if I do miss any it doesn't take long to catch up with what's been going on which is great.