MMAPayout.com has learned that the third episode of TUF 11 generated a 1.3 HH with an average audience of 1.6 million viewers. The broadcast 1.63 in the M18-34 and 1.53 in the M18-49 demos.
Payout Perspective:
The ratings are up slightly from last week, which is encouraging on two-fronts: 1.) the show isn’t regressing to the series average as quickly as other shows have in the past, and 2.) no backlash from UFC 112 is evident where TUF is concerned.
However, it bears mentioning that the ratings could regress and the backlash from Silva’s performance could occur at some point. Although, in regards to the latter, it would seem as though the majority of any backlash will likely come during Silva’s next fight (and it remains to be seen whether that’s purchase avoidance or simply a chorus of vehement boos).
Below is a summary of this season’s ratings:
| Overall | M18-34 | M18-49 | |
| Episode 1 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| Episode 2 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 1.54 |
| Episode 3 | 1.3 | 1.63 | 1.53 |
It also could be that fans want to know why Tito has been replaced by Rich on the show and assumed they would do it in this episode (now the next, etc). Once that happens on TV, ratings may go down again. UFC may try to milk Tito on TV and build up a “never seen before on TUF” campaign. Intersting to see that the 18-34’s and 18-49’s were down.
I tend to question how many of those that watch TUF are the serious hardcores that follow the news consistently (and are aware of the “they lied to us!” movement), but I like where your head is at.
Unfortunately, I fully expect the ratings to drop as the season progresses. The show is virtually the same now as it was during season 3 and the fans need more than just Junie Browning and sloppy fighting.
Would really like to see them move to a different format that builds a storyline between the fights and then has the fights deliver a somewhat decent product (i.e., the fighters are in shape, go three rounds, etc.).
I don’t know that the show needs to change to have success. It more a matter of folks connecting with either the coaches or the fighters.
You have been pretty vocal about wanting major change, but few television shows make drastic changes.
TUF is, as you said, more or less the same show it was early on. It seems like each season sees a tweak or two but the casual fans are not going to come running to TUF if it has a makeover. It is not that simple.
I think they need to do a better job of getting the viewers to connect with the fighters. Season one did a good job and that has been hit and miss over the course of the life of the show. Personally, I think they should tape some extra footage of the families of those that make it onto the show. Give us a look at who they are so we care more.
Thus far the show has held on to most of the initial base and apparently seem some slight changes in the demos. With 18-34 down, somebody else must be tuning in. I wonder who that is.
Will numbers drop? Likely some, but it does not change the fact that both Tito and Chuck are two of the most recognizable people in MMA. I don’t think folks are simply tuning in to see what happened to Tito, the bulk of the viewers are not sitting online (like us losers) going over the behind the scenes drama.
I think the season will do better than 7,8 and 9 did, but not by too much. Solid numbers but nothing like those early days.
Can some one help me out. I see that M18-34 & M18-49 are both down even though over all the numbers are up. So who was dialing in while the real key demographic was tuning out? Were women tuning in or were these young boys or seniors? Or is this a case of the TUF numbers being up while every one else is down? Sorry but I don’t speak TV very well. In any case isn’t this actually a worse week than last due to the demographic?
Funny, I actually watched last night’s episode, maybe I brought up the ratings LOL. First time this season – I think because NHL was on and I watched it during the period intermissions. Anyway, nothing new going in TUF, that’s for sure.
TUF really isn’t for the hardcore fans of MMA, it’s to draw casual fans or new viewers in, as long as the format is bringing in stable ratings I doubt they will change.
I think Stan is correct. Zuffa/Spike will not change the show in a significant way until the ratings become truly abysmal. Why would they? They’ve obviously been satisfied with the average ratings that TUF has pulled over the past few years (last season excluded, not to say they weren’t pleased with those ratings), or they would’ve made the change a while ago.
In regards to Anderson Silva, I feel I’m a pretty hardcore fan and I don’t think I will ever purchase an event where he is part of the MAIN EVENT ever again. However, I would not avoid a show if he was placed elsewhere on the card. I feel that is a good compromise for me as a consumer.