The verdict is still unclear on whether Genius Game will become a hit or miss with viewers, as it has only just premiered. Overnight ratings for the first episode have been released, and unfortunately, the David Tennant-led series fell short of the typical average for its time slot.
David Tennant’s new game show Genius Game is packed with strategy as 11 highly skilled players face off in intense, brain-teasing rounds. Curious to find out who comes out on top? Stream it all now on ITVX! Viewers outside the UK can also watch the show by using a VPN to access. Check out our guide to the best VPNs for ITVX!
The series opened with just 1.2 million viewers, according to Broadcast Now, significantly below the 2.2 million average for that time slot and even trailing behind ITV1’s The Fortune Hotel, which launched with 1.5 million viewers in the same Monday 9pm slot.
Advertisement Although it’s still early days, the series has already faced criticism from many viewers who find its format somewhat confusing, with some saying the core concept is overly complicated.
Adapted from the original South Korean version, the show features David Tennant as The Creator, leading a group of contestants, including a crime writer, a forensic scientist, a PhD student, and two doctors, through a series of uniquely designed challenges as they compete for a grand cash prize.
Naturally, with buzz building and ongoing discussion, the ratings for Genius Game could still shift, especially once ITVX streaming figures are factored in.
Read More: David Tennant Was the Only Name on Bosses’ List for New Show ‘Genius Game’
That said, the show faces tough competition from BBC One’s popular Race Across the World, now in its fifth season. The BAFTA-winning series follows pairs of contestants as they attempt to travel without mobile phones or internet, relying solely on limited funds, the generosity of strangers, and their own resourcefulness.
The second episode of Race Across the World drew an impressive 3.1 million viewers, outperforming many competing shows, including Genius Game. That number not only beats the 2.9 million slot average but also nearly matches the 3.2 million who tuned in for last week’s premiere.
While Genius Game may leave some viewers puzzled by its format, others are likely to keep watching—not just to see the challenges thrown at some of the country’s brightest minds, but also to catch David Tennant in a fresh new role.
Though best known for his work in Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and more recently Rivals, this marks the first time Tennant has fronted a game show.
To win, contestants will take part in a range of never-before-seen games designed to test their brainpower, while also pushing them to cleverly and creatively manipulate their opponents in pursuit of a cash prize.
According to the official synopsis,
Genius Game continues Wednesdays at 9pm on ITV1.
Source: The Radio Times