MasterChef Australia ratings nosedive to just 527,000 in its first week – after viewership last year peaked at more than a million
Channel 10 execs were popping open the champagne this time last year when MasterChef: Back to Win delivered blockbuster ratings in prime time.
But it’s an altogether different story in 2021.
The second outing with new judges Melissa Leong, Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo has not been nearly as popular this time around, and the trio may well need immunity pins of their own as viewership continues to nosedive.
Reversal of fortune: Channel 10 execs were popping open the champagne this time last year when MasterChef: Back to Win delivered blockbuster ratings in prime time – but it’s an altogether different story in 2021. Pictured: MasterChef judge Melissa Leong
Network bosses must be shaking their heads in despair after MasterChef pulled in a paltry 527,000 metro viewers on Sunday, reports Mediaweek.
This was no doubt a sour serving for the reality show which broke the ‘magic million’ mark in its first week last year – including nearly 1.1 million for its second episode.
The cooking program had managed to reach more than a million viewers four nights in a row during its debut week in 2020.
Oh, no! The second outing with new judges Melissa Leong (centre), Andy Allen (right) and Jock Zonfrillo (left) has not been nearly as popular this time around, and the trio may well need immunity pins of their own as viewership continues to nosedive
Even towards the end of the season in June, it was still pulling in 900,000 viewers per episode in the five major cities.
But for some reason, this year’s season hasn’t been able to pull in similar numbers.
This is perhaps because the latest series includes all-new contestants, while last year’s featured a cast of returning favourites, including Poh Ling Yeow.
Disappointing: Network bosses must be shaking their heads in despair after MasterChef pulled in a paltry 527,000 metro viewers on Sunday, reports Mediaweek
This year MasterChef is already being beaten by Channel Nine’s Lego Masters, which appears to have stolen its momentum – and viewers.
MasterChef season 13 launched to just 670,000 metro viewers on April 19.
This was a considerable drop from the 1.23 million who watched the premiere of MasterChef: Back to Win on April 13, 2020.
Meanwhile, Channel 10’s head of drama and executive production Rick Maier told Mediaweek that ratings were always important.
Contrast: This was no doubt a sour serving for the reality show which broke the ‘magic million’ mark in its first week last year – including nearly 1.1 million for its second episode. Pictured: Emelia Jackson, a contestant from last year’s season of MasterChef
‘We have ratings targets, and very wonderful commercial partners. So obviously the more people we can reach, the happier we’ll be,’ Mr Maier said.
He continued: ‘It’s a great show and it deserves the biggest possible audience. And it’s a great show to watch with friends and family.’
MasterChef continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10
Come one, come all! MasterChef continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10. Pictured: guest judge Nigella Lawson addresses contestants in a virtual cooking challenge