Episode three of TUF XII saw a slight uptick in the overall audience as the average audience hit 1.8 million, one hundred thousand more than last week.
As I said last week, we won't have a decent idea of just how this season will do until the fifth week or so. If the numbers stay at this level, it will be one of the more successful seasons. Thus far, things have been understated. No fireworks, in or out of the house, but the teasers certainly suggest that chaos is coming.
Confrontations certainly can draw interest, but seasons 7-9 had plenty of that and did some of the weaker ratings. Junie Browne did bring numbers up a tad, but his season delivered lackluster numbers overall.
Episode one: 1.3 rating with a 2.0 in M18-34, a 1.8 in M18-49 and an average audience of 1.6 million.
Episode two: 1.2 rating with 1.84 in M18-34, a 1.7 in M18-49 and an ave audience of 1.7 million.
Episode three: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, a 1.71 in M18-49 and an ave audience of 1.8 million.
For comparison, here are the first three eps of season eleven:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Showing posts with label Ratings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ratings. Show all posts
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
TUF XII episode two holds onto week one audience.
Two weeks into TUF XII, the numbers look solid,
Episode two did a 1.2 rating with a 1.84 in the Males 18-34 demo, 1.7 in Males 18-49 and had an average audience of 1.7 million.
By comparison, the second ep of TUF XI did a 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million.
The series appeared to be in trouble when seasons 8 and 9 saw individual episodes dip below 1.0, a number that is generally seen as the benchmark for success. One thing I find interesting is that last season, and so far this season, were tame in terms of hijinks and mayhem. They focused more on the fights and less on pranks and drinking. While there is no doubt that Evans, Jackson and Kimbo are partially responsible for the renewed interest, I wonder if the lack of wackiness has helped keep some of those folks coming back for more?
I don't think we will have any real idea of just how well the season will do until episode four or five.
Episode one: 1.3 rating with a 2.0 in M18-34, a 1.8 in M18-49 and an average audience of 1.6 million.
Episode two: 1.2 rating with 1.84 in M18-34, a 1.7 in M18-49 and an ave audience of 1.7 million.
Episode two did a 1.2 rating with a 1.84 in the Males 18-34 demo, 1.7 in Males 18-49 and had an average audience of 1.7 million.
By comparison, the second ep of TUF XI did a 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million.
The series appeared to be in trouble when seasons 8 and 9 saw individual episodes dip below 1.0, a number that is generally seen as the benchmark for success. One thing I find interesting is that last season, and so far this season, were tame in terms of hijinks and mayhem. They focused more on the fights and less on pranks and drinking. While there is no doubt that Evans, Jackson and Kimbo are partially responsible for the renewed interest, I wonder if the lack of wackiness has helped keep some of those folks coming back for more?
I don't think we will have any real idea of just how well the season will do until episode four or five.
Episode one: 1.3 rating with a 2.0 in M18-34, a 1.8 in M18-49 and an average audience of 1.6 million.
Episode two: 1.2 rating with 1.84 in M18-34, a 1.7 in M18-49 and an ave audience of 1.7 million.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sarah Kaufman shines, in cage and ratings, for STRIKEFORCE Challengers 9.
Sarah Kaufman's relationship with Strikeforce has been rocky. Earlier this year, she talked about being a free agent despite being the SF 135 lb champion. She expressed a desire to get back with Strikeforce, only to later find out that they exercised the championship clause without telling her and extended her previous contract.Leading up to this card, she talked about being frustrated at not just being relegated to a challengers card, but not even headlining.
Then, on Saturday night, she let her skills do the talking. She stopped Roxanne Modafferi, via a wicked power bomb, in the second round. After the fight, she again talked about wanting to be on a bigger card.
Some have pointed out that very few women fighters draw and that SF is being right by simply having women's fighting. There is a saying, if you are going to do something, you should do it right.
The idea behind the Challengers cards is to showcase up and coming talent. Sarah is a champion and should be put front and center. If the average fan thinks that SF does not care about the ladies 135 champ and division, it is unlikely that he will either. I am not saying she should be headlining the main cards, but why not have the women's title fights in the middle of the regular cards. If not, why have them at all?
Finally, the Challengers cards feel almost like throwaway cards. If the idea is to use them to build up guys, they should be promoting them a hell of a lot more. less than 200k watched this card and that is a bad number no matter how you spin it. And it is not just the Challengers cards that lack the PR build, we have seen it in the past for some of the regular Showtime cards. Strikeforce is not big enough that they can let cards fly in under the radar, they need to work hard to build EVERY card. They need to not simply establish a solid fanbase, but build it up. That is something they have failed to do.
The SF cards usually have some fun fights, ones that could help convince casual fans that Strikeforce is the real deal and is must-see MMA. If not for Sarah Kaufman, I don't know that anyone would have been talking about this card at all.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Fedor vs. Werdum delivers nice numbers.
MMAJunkie is reporting that Saturday's Fedor vs. Werdum event, on Showtime, had an average audience of 550,000 viewers. According to the site, that number includes DVR and on-demand viewings. The main event, when including the aforementioned viewings, ended up over 700,000.
These numbers are good. I would say that anything under 400k would have been a failure and anything over 450k is a success.
Between the gate/attendance, the ratings and the media fallout from the event, Strikeforce should regain some of the momentum they had lost in the past couple of months. One has to assume they are hoping it will bring CBS back to the table. Strikeforce previously had a two event deal with CBS and that deal ended with the Nashville card.
While this bout was obviously a big one, it did not hurt that Strikeforce and Showtime promoted it a fair amount and this was a bout that had been talked about for some time. Strikeforce needs to get the ball rolling earlier for upcoming cards and get chatter going. While they obviously don't have the resources Zuffa does, the UFC cards are generally known months in advance. There is online chatter well before the official marketing push starts up.
In the future, Strikeforce should take the position that there no minor cards and give every show a proper build-up, as well as making an effort to make the major bouts known earlier.
These numbers are good. I would say that anything under 400k would have been a failure and anything over 450k is a success.
Between the gate/attendance, the ratings and the media fallout from the event, Strikeforce should regain some of the momentum they had lost in the past couple of months. One has to assume they are hoping it will bring CBS back to the table. Strikeforce previously had a two event deal with CBS and that deal ended with the Nashville card.
While this bout was obviously a big one, it did not hurt that Strikeforce and Showtime promoted it a fair amount and this was a bout that had been talked about for some time. Strikeforce needs to get the ball rolling earlier for upcoming cards and get chatter going. While they obviously don't have the resources Zuffa does, the UFC cards are generally known months in advance. There is online chatter well before the official marketing push starts up.
In the future, Strikeforce should take the position that there no minor cards and give every show a proper build-up, as well as making an effort to make the major bouts known earlier.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Ultimate Fighter's ratings hold steady.
In a season that, outside of X with Kimbo, has been the strongest in quite some time, folks stuck with TUF to watch Tito leave.
Episode ten did a 1.3 rating with an average audience of 1.5 million, the same as last week.
Whether it is the star power of Tito and Chuck, the drama of Tito leaving or simply the new folks from season ten sticking around, this season has been a definite success with an average weekly audience of 1.66 million viewers and an ave rating of 1.3 thus far.
Many of the recent seasons seasons that have had fighters doing insane things and certain guys labeled, or acting like, a bad boy. This season has seen everyone behave for the most part and nobody has really stepped up as a Leben, Gabe or Junnie.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Episode 7: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in m18-34, a 1.7 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million
Episode 8: 1.0 rating with a 1.5 in m18-34, a 1.2 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.3 million
Episode 9: 1.3 rating with an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 10: 1.3 rating with an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode ten did a 1.3 rating with an average audience of 1.5 million, the same as last week.
Whether it is the star power of Tito and Chuck, the drama of Tito leaving or simply the new folks from season ten sticking around, this season has been a definite success with an average weekly audience of 1.66 million viewers and an ave rating of 1.3 thus far.
Many of the recent seasons seasons that have had fighters doing insane things and certain guys labeled, or acting like, a bad boy. This season has seen everyone behave for the most part and nobody has really stepped up as a Leben, Gabe or Junnie.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Episode 7: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in m18-34, a 1.7 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million
Episode 8: 1.0 rating with a 1.5 in m18-34, a 1.2 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.3 million
Episode 9: 1.3 rating with an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 10: 1.3 rating with an ave aud of 1.5 million
Friday, May 28, 2010
Numbers for episode 9 of TUF, ep 3 of Prime Time:
After a softer week eight, TUF bounced back a bit with a 1.1 rating and an ave audience of 1.5 million.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Episode 7: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in m18-34, a 1.7 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million
Episode 8: 1.0 rating with a 1.5 in m18-34, a 1.2 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.3 million
Episode 9: 1.1 rating with an ave aud of 1.5 million
The go home episode of PRIME TIME: Rampage vs. Evans drew 1.1 million viewers, up from 875,000 for the second episode. The debut episode did a show high 1.2 million viewers.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Episode 7: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in m18-34, a 1.7 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million
Episode 8: 1.0 rating with a 1.5 in m18-34, a 1.2 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.3 million
Episode 9: 1.1 rating with an ave aud of 1.5 million
The go home episode of PRIME TIME: Rampage vs. Evans drew 1.1 million viewers, up from 875,000 for the second episode. The debut episode did a show high 1.2 million viewers.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Ratings slip in week eight of TUF XI.
The numbers took a drop this week as episode eight did a 1.0 with an ave audience of 1.3 million.
General thinking is that the NBA playoffs damaged TUF as the Lakers/Suns game drew over seven million viewers.
I am betting next week will be one of the bigger drawing episodes of the season as the promo announces Tito pulling out of the Liddell fight, we get two fights and there is a confrontation between the coaches.
Thus far, this is the strongest season since TUF V with Pulver and Penn.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Episode 7: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in m18-36, a 1.7 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million
General thinking is that the NBA playoffs damaged TUF as the Lakers/Suns game drew over seven million viewers.
I am betting next week will be one of the bigger drawing episodes of the season as the promo announces Tito pulling out of the Liddell fight, we get two fights and there is a confrontation between the coaches.
Thus far, this is the strongest season since TUF V with Pulver and Penn.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Episode 7: 1.3 rating with a 1.9 in m18-36, a 1.7 in m18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million
Thursday, May 13, 2010
TUF XI week seven numbers holding steady.
Just past the half-way point of the season, TUF XI is still drawing strong numbers. Episode seven delivered a 1.3 rating with 1.8 million viewers.
Thus far, this is the strongest season since TUF V with Pulver and Penn.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Thus far, this is the strongest season since TUF V with Pulver and Penn.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34, a 1.92 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Episode 6: 1.3 rating with a 1.54 in M18-34, 1.4 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.7 million
Numbers of ep one of PRIME TIME: Rampage vs. Evans looking good.
Episode one of UFC Primetime: Rampage vs. Evans delived a damn impressive 1.2 million veiwers and had a rating of 0.9.
For comparison, the first ep of GSP/Hardy did one million viewers while GSP/Penn did 880,000.
Obviously we don't know if they can sustain those numbers but if they can, UFC 114 will likely be one of the biggest of the year. Don't forget that THE A-TEAM launches in early June and there will be a moderate amount of PR for it in the week leading up to UFC 114.
For comparison, the first ep of GSP/Hardy did one million viewers while GSP/Penn did 880,000.
Obviously we don't know if they can sustain those numbers but if they can, UFC 114 will likely be one of the biggest of the year. Don't forget that THE A-TEAM launches in early June and there will be a moderate amount of PR for it in the week leading up to UFC 114.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Week 5 of TUF XI continues to look good.
Episode five of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER XI did a 1.3 rating with an average audience of 1.8 million.
According to Spike, the show also did a 2.6 in the Males 18-34 demo.
This season continues to be, excluding TUF 10, the strongest since TUF 3. While it is likely numbers will have a dip or two before the end of the season, things are looking good overall.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
According to Spike, the show also did a 2.6 in the Males 18-34 demo.
This season continues to be, excluding TUF 10, the strongest since TUF 3. While it is likely numbers will have a dip or two before the end of the season, things are looking good overall.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Episode 5: 1.3 rating with a 2.6 in M18-34 and an ave aud of 1.8 million.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Week four of TUF XI continues strong season with increased ratings.
Episode four of The Ultimate Fighter 11 delivered season highs with a 1.5 overall rating, a 2.4 in Males 18 to 34, 1.9 in Males 18 to 49 and an average audience of 2 million.
Almost from day one, folks have been certain that the numbers would drop down to the levels of seasons 7-9 and even see some eps go under 1.0 and while that may still happen, Tito and Chuck appear to be keeping folks coming back for more.
It does not hurt that the fights are better than those on last season where the HWs plodded about until they gassed out.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Almost from day one, folks have been certain that the numbers would drop down to the levels of seasons 7-9 and even see some eps go under 1.0 and while that may still happen, Tito and Chuck appear to be keeping folks coming back for more.
It does not hurt that the fights are better than those on last season where the HWs plodded about until they gassed out.
Season so far:
Episode 1: 1.5 rating with a 2.1 in M18-34, 1.8 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.9 million.
Episode 2: 1.2 rating with a 1.9 in M18-34, 1.54 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.5 million
Episode 3: 1.3 rating with a 1.63 in M18-34, 1.53 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 1.6 million.
Episode 4: 1.5 rating with a 2.4 in M18-34, a 1.9 in M18-49 and an ave aud of 2 million.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Ratings for Episode 2 of TUF XI.
Episode two of TUF 11 did a 1.2 rating with an ave audience of 1.5 million viewers.
Episode one did a 1.5 with an ave audience of 1.9 million viewers.
By comparison, the second episode of TUF 9 (10 did monster numbers because of Kimbo Slice) did a 1.1 ratings.
Episode one did a 1.5 with an ave audience of 1.9 million viewers.
By comparison, the second episode of TUF 9 (10 did monster numbers because of Kimbo Slice) did a 1.1 ratings.
Friday, April 2, 2010
TUF 11 starts out on a strong note.
MMA Payout has reported the numbers for Episode one of season eleven of The Ultimate Fighter. The show had a rating of 1.5 with a 2.1 for males 18-34, a 1.9 for males 18-49 and an audience of 1.9 million.
While numbers may indeed drop somewhat, I don't know that I would agree that they will dip below 1.0. By most accounts, Tito and Chuck go at each other and the the initial bouts were exciting enough (Exciting meaning folks got KTFO). I think there will be a drop, but it will still be a bit higher than seasons 6-9. I don't think any season will match season ten.
By comparison:
Ep one of TUF 10: a 2.9 rating with 4.1 million viewers
Ep one of TUF 9: 1.3 rating with a 1.8 in M18-49, 2.1 in M18-34 and an ave audience of 1.8 million.
Ep one of TUF 8: 1.2 rating
Ep one of TUF 7: 1.3 rating
Personally, I think Zuffa needs to space out the seasons more. Twice a year is too much to generate genuine excitement.
One other suggestion would be to shorten the period between the start of filming and the actual Finale. Start playing the first ep as the actual events are unfolding. It might help make things more interesting.
Zuffa has launched the Ultimate Fighter website, so they should put it to use. They like to keep the participants secret until right before the season starts. Instead, announce them all two weeks in advance and post bios and a video clip of each fighter. Give folks a chance to get to know all of them prior to the start. It might make the elimination round a little more interesting. It would also allow folks to connect with those that make it to the house a little faster. As the season goes on, add clips online of the guys talking about their lives, families, hopes and dreams. Again, it would help the viewers become emotionally invested in the fighters.
Lastly, we saw Mike Van Arsdale and Tiki Goshen verbally sparring last season, how about having an Asst. coach from each team square off on the finale? You would have to have Coaches that were all under contract, but it could make things a little more interesting.
While numbers may indeed drop somewhat, I don't know that I would agree that they will dip below 1.0. By most accounts, Tito and Chuck go at each other and the the initial bouts were exciting enough (Exciting meaning folks got KTFO). I think there will be a drop, but it will still be a bit higher than seasons 6-9. I don't think any season will match season ten.
By comparison:
Ep one of TUF 10: a 2.9 rating with 4.1 million viewers
Ep one of TUF 9: 1.3 rating with a 1.8 in M18-49, 2.1 in M18-34 and an ave audience of 1.8 million.
Ep one of TUF 8: 1.2 rating
Ep one of TUF 7: 1.3 rating
Personally, I think Zuffa needs to space out the seasons more. Twice a year is too much to generate genuine excitement.
One other suggestion would be to shorten the period between the start of filming and the actual Finale. Start playing the first ep as the actual events are unfolding. It might help make things more interesting.
Zuffa has launched the Ultimate Fighter website, so they should put it to use. They like to keep the participants secret until right before the season starts. Instead, announce them all two weeks in advance and post bios and a video clip of each fighter. Give folks a chance to get to know all of them prior to the start. It might make the elimination round a little more interesting. It would also allow folks to connect with those that make it to the house a little faster. As the season goes on, add clips online of the guys talking about their lives, families, hopes and dreams. Again, it would help the viewers become emotionally invested in the fighters.
Lastly, we saw Mike Van Arsdale and Tiki Goshen verbally sparring last season, how about having an Asst. coach from each team square off on the finale? You would have to have Coaches that were all under contract, but it could make things a little more interesting.
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