Major Channel Nine reality show on the chopping block
EXCLUSIVE: Major Channel Nine reality show on the chopping block as a network executive admits ‘it’s not worth the headache anymore’
A big budget Channel Nine reality series is officially on the chopping block amid poor ratings and astronomical production costs.
Sources tell Daily Mail Australia that The Summit is about to be canceled as it continues to captivate audiences despite its star-studded cast and captivating concept.
The Jai Courtney-hosted action-adventure series, initially touted as the network’s breakthrough series of the year, has struggled to live up to its original promise.
Despite the exciting premise and high-profile casting, the series struggled to get above 400,000 viewers after three nights on air.
Even with the adrenaline-fueled excitement of tractors blasting through trees with money in tow – a spectacle that drew the largest audience of 688,000 – the show still teeters on shaky ground.
Nine’s The Summit is on the brink of cancellation, yet continues to captivate audiences despite its star-studded cast and captivating concept. In the photo: presenter Jai Courtney
The ambitious new show, initially touted as the network’s breakthrough series of the year, struggled to connect with its audience, drawing just 400,000 viewers after three nights on the air.
A Nine insider told Daily Mail Australia that the network currently has no plans for a season two renewal at this stage.
The source painted a picture of a series full of production nightmares and financial setbacks due to harsh weather conditions.
Filming the action-packed 8500 foot mountain tour of New Zealand proved to be a huge task costing hundreds of thousands.
To be honest, the show wasn’t worth the headache that came with it. At this stage, it will not be recommissioned for a second season,” the insider said.
Even with the adrenaline-fueled thrill of tractors climbing over mountains with money in tow – a spectacle that drew the largest audience of 688,000 – the show still teeters on shaky ground
A Channel Nine insider told Daily Mail Australia that the network currently has no plans for a season two renewal
Each contestant carries a backpack filled with $70,000 in cash, and if anyone leaves the competition, their money will be deducted from the total prize pool.
The harsh weather forced producers to recreate the ending, which required a temporary halt, a cast move, and a reshoot of the climax when conditions improved.
“It was dangerous,” the source added. “They had to fly the cast down for a week, wait for the weather to subside, and then fly them back to the top to recreate the ending.”
The Summit did not reach the ratings of Nine hits such as Married At First Sight (photo) and The Block
Season ten’s MAFS finale drew over a million viewers, while The Block’s final finale (pictured) drew about 1.3 million viewers
Now, with the unimpressive results, Nine seems apprehensive about their upcoming travel/adventure offering, Rush, helmed by David Genat.
The future of both shows will more than likely be announced during Nine’s upfronts in September.
Despite a few hiccups, Nine is still raking in blockbuster ratings with their old reality shows like The Block and Married At First Sight.
Season ten’s MAFS finale drew over a million viewers, while The Block’s final finale reached about 1.3 million viewers.
Now, with the unimpressive results, Nine seems anxious about their upcoming travel/adventure offering, Rush, helmed by David Genat (pictured)