Channel 10's bizarre new way to 'save the network' after ratings disasters

Channel 10's latest show announcements have reportedly left rival networks branding their attempt to win viewers back as “embarrassing”.

The network has endured a series of reality TV flops over the last few years, with rivals claiming they are likely hoping that talent, who have found success on other networks and on social media, can 'save them'.

Last month, the network announced that they'd commissioned a second season of The Traitors, despite it only pulling in 243,000 viewers last year – but this time around, there's a twist.

The second season will mix civilians and celebrities, with regular people competing against Below Deck's Hannah Ferrier, radio host and former My Kitchen Rules star Ash Pollard, actor Gyton Grantley and influencer Ian Zaro, who has 2.3 million followers on TikTok.

Similarly, The Amazing Race, which only managed to attract 332,000 viewers last year, announced last week that this year's season will also be a celebrity version.

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Too Hot To Handle star Harry Jowsey, who has four million followers after becoming a breakout star on the Netflix show, is the season's biggest draw – and will be appearing alongside best friend Teddy Briggs, who found fame on Channel 9's Love Island.

Australian Commonwealth Gold Medallist Jana Pittman, who proved to be ratings gold on Channel Seven's SAS: Australia, will be appearing too - alongside WAG Bec Judd, Former Wiggle Emma Watkins and Silverchair drummer Ben Gillies among others.

The Amazing Race celebrity version will also feature former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! campmates Alli Simpson, Jackie Gillies, Peter Rowsthorn and Grant Denyer.

A TV insider says other networks have been talking about the recent announcements, saying: “People are saying it's embarrassing how they're reliant on names from other shows and networks to try bring in viewers and save the ratings. It's like they can't produce their own stars anymore so they're taking others or recycling ones from I'm A Celeb.”

The insider noted how this tactic won't necessarily work, though, which was seen with The Challenge last year. Despite the show being heavily promoted as featuring a handful of former Married At First Sight and Love Island stars, it hit a season-low of just 136,000 city metro viewers.

It comes after a string of high-profile departures in recent months from the network, with Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson all making an exit in late 2022.

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