PHOTO: The Block 2023. NINE
Channel Nine’s flagship home renovation program, The Block, is losing the ratings battle as disgruntled viewers are switching to rival reality shows. The reality series, hosted by Scott Cam, has witnessed a significant 20% drop in its viewership during its current 19th season, relinquishing its top spot to Seven’s My Kitchen Rules.
In contrast, the cooking show hosted by Manu Feildel achieved 622,000 metro viewers on Friday, comfortably surpassing The Block’s comparatively modest 526,000 viewers. This number represents just over half of the million-plus viewers that The Block used to attract back in 2018.
Channel Nine’s flagship home renovation program The Block is losing the ratings war as frustrated viewers switch to competing reality shows. Pictured: Host Scott Cam
An industry insider shared with The Daily Telegraph that these figures were a cause for concern for The Block. They commented, “The decline of The Block is a significant setback for Nine, as it was one of their flagship shows and a year-end staple for them.” The insider also noted that Married At First Sight was one of the few successful reality shows remaining on Nine, following a series of high-profile failures, including Rush, The Summit, Parental Guidance, and the cancellation of Ninja Warrior. “Nine is now primarily known as the MAFS network,” they added.
This decline in viewership coincides with reports of viewers branding this season of The Block as “toxic” and “disturbing” due to the ongoing conflicts and bullying among the contestants. Furthermore, reports suggest that contestants are unhappy with their portrayal on the show.
Seven’s My Kitchen Rules scored 622,000 metro viewers on Friday, comfortably beating The Block’s comparatively small 526,000
An insider speaking to Yahoo! Lifestyle revealed that several contestants have been left “devastated” by their on-screen edits, noting that “the escalating tension as the series progresses has also shocked the contestants.” They added, “What happened during filming doesn’t align with most contestants’ expectations of who would be popular with viewers—it’s almost the opposite.”
The source cautioned that a “full-blown feud” is brewing among the contestants, with many seemingly cast to generate drama.
Meanwhile, dedicated viewers have expressed their disappointment that The Block has shifted its focus from home renovations to “drama,” describing the show as a “downer.” On platforms like Reddit, viewers have criticized the recent episodes, likening them to a “soap opera” and drawing comparisons to Married At First Sight.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL