MMA Junkie reports that despite good reviews, The Ultimate Fighter Live ratings are not reflective of the praise. Still, Dana White believes that the show is positioned well on FX.
The debut of TUF Live on FX scored an average of 1.28 million viewers yet saw a decline in the ratings over the course of the show. The second episode last week were down with a 1.1 million viewer average. We may discount last week’s ratings decrease since it went up against the NCAA Tournament.
Via MMA Junkie:
“There’s so many things that are involved in those numbers,” White said. “I didn’t expect to jump on FX and do 3.5 million viewers right out of the gate. But here’s the thing: The format is awesome. It’s perfect. We’ve got a great season, and we’re going to build this thing.
“Believe me, the way that FX deals with their programming and how they handle it, they’re so analytical. These guys are like [expletive] rocket scientists how they break this stuff down and look at it. Trust me, everything is positive over there.”
One thing that has peaked White’s interest is that Vegas sportsbooks are taking action on the TUF Live fights. White also addressed the fact that the ratings are due in part to the NCAA tourney.
“March Madness” will wrap soon, casual viewers will eventually figure out the show is now on FX, and hardcore fans may very well become again interested in the show thanks to the new format.
Payout Perspective:
We may discount last week and this week due to the tournament but we shall see if viewers will gravitate to FX. We will see if the ratings will increase over the season as White predicts (or hopes). The UFC has tinkered with the show to keep the show different and the jury is still out on whether the live fights will attract more viewers. Of course, there was White’s initial expectations about the viewership doubling on FX. Perhaps we were not to take this literally or expect the ratings to double in the first season on FX but there are definite expectations on how TUF Live will perform.
Time will tell but it’ll be a big struggle.
The live production values are poor. The lighting and audio make it look and sound like public access TV.
The before and after of the live fights seem rushed and awkward.
I haven’t tuned in this season. Are the fights worth it?
I like the live platform much bette than the old one. The fights are great with great finishes.
One thing i like about the live version compared to the taped one. Before the UFC would have a mega event on PPV or have have an episode of TUF blow up ad get huge ratings. When it is taped many months before hand they have no idea the attention the sport has when that episode airs. Ussually the episode that could have increased the viewers ends up being boring. Now if there is a huge event or the show gets some momentum then they might be able to pick up on it and feed off the momentum. It had to suck for Dana to come off a huge event with lots of mainstream media and know that the next taped episode of TUF is one of the worst of the season. Now the fighters and the UFC have a chance to step it up and capitalize when the time is right.
Fans and MMA pundits need to let this new TUF play out before passing judgement. New channel, new format. New branding. Let the season play out before we start the analytical breakdowns. More information to digest.
Does anyone else think that Dana should just go away for a while? I’m sick of looking at his face already.
Get it off Friday nights.
I really hope next season has a better time slot. Also, despite the wants of the hardcore community, TUF needs to emphasize more drama in the house. Hell, create some if need be, but rest assured there is a direct correlation between drama (ex. Junie) to ratings. Even fake “beef” between coaches will increase ratings.