Channel Ten’s MasterChef: Back To Win experienced a ratings blitz on Monday night, thanks in part to the coronavirus pandemic.
The cooking reality show pulled in an incredible 1.5million viewers, it’s largest figures since the launch of juggernaut singing competition The Masked Singer.
TV Blackbox editor Rob McKnight told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that even in these times of the coronavirus pandemic, where people are stuck at home and keen to watch TV, it’s an incredible achievement.
Success! Channel Ten’s MasterChef: Back To Win experienced a ratings blitz on Monday night, thanks in part to the coronavirus pandemic, TV Blackbox editor Rob McKnight told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday. Pictured the show’s contestants with Gordon Ramsay
He said in a statement: ‘Even in this climate where people are locked inside 1.2million is a remarkable figure. The last time Channel 10 had figures like this was when The Masked Singer launched.’
Rob went on: ‘There are definitely more people watching TV because of self-isolation but we’re really only seeing a spike in numbers for news-based programs.
‘The fact Masterchef did so well but other entertainment shows did low numbers is proof people really wanted to see this show’.
Rob said in a statement: ‘Even in this climate where people are locked inside 1.2million is a remarkable figure. The last time Channel 10 had figures like this was when The Masked Singer launched.’ Pictured: New judges (L-R) Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen
Rob went on: ‘There are definitely more people watching TV because of self-isolation but we’re really only seeing a spike in numbers for news-based programs. The fact Masterchef did so well but other entertainment shows did low numbers is proof people really wanted to see this show’. Pictured Gordon Ramsay and the new judges
The TV Blackbox editor added that it’s proof the format of the show works regardless of it’s judges.
The show’s long-running hosts Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris quit the show last year.
The new lineup of judges, Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong, has been a hit with audiences, but the show is not relying on them for viewer loyalty.
Rob added: ‘If these figures hold up you’d have to argue it’s the format that sells this show, not the judges, so channel 10 made the right decision by moving on from Matt, Gary and George.
Changes: The TV Blackbox editor added that it’s proof the format of the show works regardless of it’s judges. The show’s long-running hosts Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris quit the show last year. Pictured from left to right: Gary, Matt and George
Love them! On Monday, fans praised the new hosts of MasterChef: Back To Win, calling them a ‘breath of fresh air’
‘Channel 10 has played it very smart by giving the new judges every opportunity to succeed.
‘By bringing back old favourites and chefs like Gordon Ramsay producers have given audiences an opportunity to get to know the new judges without all the pressure being on them.’
Rob went on to say that it’s early days yet, but that the network must be pleased with the results so far.
‘There will be sighs of relief at Channel Ten today and they should take heart in the fact they did everything g possible to get this great result. Congratulations to everyone involved – it was a great first episode.
Clever! ‘Channel 10 has played it very smart. By bringing back old favourites and chefs like Gordon Ramsay producers have given audiences an opportunity to get to know the new judges without all the pressure being on them,’ Rob added
‘Of course, the real test will come tonight and especially in episode 3 when we start to see where audience levels are sitting. But at least they got the audience there for episode one. Now it’s up to the show to hold those viewers,’ he added.
It looks like the newcomers have anything to be worried about. It was clear on on Monday night that fans were very happy with the new judges.
Many took to their social media accounts to to sing the praises of the new team, calling them a ‘breath of fresh air’.
Winner! The reality cooking show, now in its twelfth season 12, drew in a metro audience of 1,228,000 and a national audience of 1,562,000. In doing so, it became the highest-rated premiere of the year, up 42 percent from last year’s opener and even topping Married At First Sight’s 2020 debut
The reality cooking show, now in its twelfth season 12, drew in a metro audience of 1,228,000 and a national audience of 1,562,000.
In doing so, it became the highest-rated premiere of the year, up 42 percent from last year’s opener and even topping Married At First Sight’s 2020 debut.
Former MasterChef winner Poh Ling Yeow has returned to the series alongside 23 other contestants from past seasons of the show in a bid to win a cash prize of $250,000.
Back! Former MasterChef winner Poh Ling Yeow (pictured) returned to the series alongside 23 other contestants from past seasons of the show in a bid to win a cash prize of $250,000