MMAPayout.com has learned that Wednesday’s debut episode of The Ultimate Fighter 11 earned a 1.5 HH rating with an average audience of 1.9 million viewers on Spike TV. The debut was the #2 rated program in the country amongst the M18-34 (2.1) and M18-49 (1.9).
Payout Perspective:
If you recall, the debut of TUF 10 earned a 2.9HH with a 5.3 in the M18-34 and 4.3 in the M18-49. Thus the Kimbo Effect is in full effect. It remains to be seen whether the ratings will dip down to the 1.0 mark that TUF 9 experienced throughout much of the season, but it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone.
The promised format “change” for this season was more of a slight tweak, and won’t do much to add any sort of drama or consistent interest boost to the show. However, it does appear as though Zuffa has changed its promotional strategy with regard to the show: mum’s the word where TUF is concerned (that shouldn’t have rhymed). Dana, Tito, and Chuck have all be uncharacteristically quiet when it comes to talking about the show; other than to say, of course, “it’s (really) crazy!!”
I’m skeptical as to whether that approach will work, and ultimately I’m still an advocate for a total overhaul of the show. However, it seems as though Dana and Zuffa are intent to ride TUF into new markets, which might make them reluctant to make any major changes now.
Hi Kelsey,
Without a doubt it will drop to 1.0. I didn’t watch the episode and probably don’t plan on watching much unless we get to see the whole Tito leaving Tuff episode which should garner some good ratings. So I would say, steady decline to 1.3/1.2 territory than down from there going forward. The Tito leaving episode could garner a 2.0.
Not sure why Tito leaving would increase ratings. If people are not watching how would they know he is leaving? Even if Tito leaving was a good thing people still wouldnt have a clue it was happening without seeing the previous episode or trailer.
I do think ratings will drop. This first show had a UFN lead in. Next week we will probably see a big drop. If not it will be a steady decline.
I still think they need to take the show on the road and visit a new gym each week. Week 1 they train at MFS, the next at ATT, Greg Jackson, Extreme Couture, AKA, etc. Give everyone a look at the different styles of training from different camps. This would also create more cameo appearances of star fighters and coaches which will attract a larger group of viewers than 2 known fighters and a bunch of unknowns. This apprach may even let you do away with the coaches period. Travel might increase costs to much. BUt this would be a better show.
You didn’t watch but you have on opinion on the quality of the show? Dumb. The 1st show had better fights in the first episode than what TUF 10 had in the entire season.
I agree with jj on the quality of the fights. I was pleasantly surprised by how good they were. Last season was the absolute worst in terms of fights. It was a disgrace. For this season I plan to return to my old form – I will DVR the shows, fast forward through the reality drama and watch the fights at the end. Last season got so bad that first I began fast forwarding through the fights and finally ended up not even recording the show. At least this season it looks like there will be good, free fights on TV every Wednesday night. There are worse things in the world than that.
I also agree with Brain that the ratings will drop. It’s interesting that the ratings for TUF were virtually identical to the ratings for the Florian-Gomi fight. It seems that people tuned in to that fight and stayed. How many of those viewers will make a point to go back and watch every week? I seriously doubt 100%.
Out of curiosity, does anyone know what rating is considered a “success” by a network? Aside from the trending aspect, I never know what to make of these numbers.
i think generally networks like to see ratings go up , not be flat or down. they need to show and sell growth to their advertisers. the other question is what does a show cost versus how much rating it gets…and then how many times can it be replayed…because with these networks everything is judged on return on investment.
Regarding numbers: A 1.0 is considered a success for basic cable.
Martyy,
A show does not need to show growth, it simply needs to maintain a certain level and deliver in the key demos.
The truth is that there are VERY FEW shows that show growth over the course of the series. Most peak and continue for years after dropping from that peak.
Kelsey, I think you are discounting the name value of Liddell and Ortiz when you say that Kimbo is responsible for these numbers. While both guys are past their peak, they are still two of the bigger names in MMA today, especially when put on television.
Brain,
That would cost way too much to actually happen.
Numbers will go down, but I don’t see them sinking as low as some of the seasons have. In the end, this will do better than most.
Jeremy,
Perhaps you misunderstood, but I’m claiming that Kimbo Slice was responsible for the wild ratings success that was TUF 10 and without him the ratings are now back to normal for the series.
To your larger point re: Chuck and Tito…I think that’s something that remains to be seen. It wouldn’t shock me to see the ratings for this series fall to the 1.0 level, which would mean Chuck/Tito essentially had the same effect as Mir/Nogueira. But it could also be that they make for some great television and are able to sustain the ratings at the 1.5 level.
jj, i didn’t type anything about the quality of the show, just stressed my opinion based on trends from past seasons. no need to get defensive.