The Block 2024 viewers call for major change following first two episodes: 'Tired'

EXCLUSIVE: An insider has addressed claims that The Block Island 2024 lacks diversity in its casting.

Lyndsey Rodrigues
·Head of Yahoo Lifestyle and Entertainment
Updated ·3-min read
The Block viewers are calling for a change. Credit: Channel Nine
The Block viewers are calling for a change. Credit: Channel Nine

The Block Island 2024 is only two episodes in and we are hooked, baby! There's already been some couple drama, a clash with some contractors and an emergency escape in a helicopter for one Blockhead whose daughter was born early.

Then, of course, there is the anticipation of one of the teams (Paige and Jesse) throwing down the tools and riding off into the sunset halfway through the show as well as whispers that one of the teams may break up before they make it to auction. A production insider told Yahoo Lifestyle that the popular series is "pivoting from outright cattiness amongst the cast to tension within the couples themselves" - and so far, they haven't been kidding.

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While we are so far loving the twists and turns, some viewers have pointed out a glaring issue with the current cast - and it's not that they all seem to be on the brink of separation.

"WOW! Another Block with limited diversity and skinny girls with good-looking partners," a viewer wrote online. "Isn't it time we see some REAL PEOPLE!"

"They need an older couple, maybe 2 women to mix it up a bit," someone agreed.

There isn't much diversity in The Block 2024 cast, with everyone being young and attractive. Credit: Channel Nine
There isn't much diversity in The Block 2024 cast, with everyone being young and attractive. Credit: Channel Nine

"Real people would be good - just see if these girls get there [sic] hands dirty or work all nite [sic]," another added.

"I am sure older couples and LGBTQI couples apply but no we are back to the young, entitled couples," another said. "Do they realise it's a renovating show and not the battle of the best looking couples? I think we are all tired of all reality TV shows becoming the same kind of people."

"I didn't see one forehead move," joked another viewer.

"Yeah, I laughed when the boys said 'What are we on Love Island?'" quipped another fan.

"....are they all just shades of white?" was another question, although I am 99% sure they were referring to the colour of the roofs and not the contestants.

"The fact is Lucky Break Casting goes out and looks for very specific personality types," a source close to The Block told Yahoo Lifestyle. "That is true. 100% that is the focus."

They continued, "Channel Nine always looks at finding a balance in diversity. However, the priority will always be finding the right person for the show so stunt casting just because of race or sexuality doesn't feel comfortable or right. The conversations have never been about whether we have to have a gay couple or who is a person of colour."

"If you look at the history of The Block you wouldn't say the show is racist, ageist or homophobic," the insider said. "I think there is more work to be done in making free-to-air TV more of a safe space when it comes to there being more applicants of minority and Channel Nine is always working to improve on inclusion and diversity."

Over on Reddit, one fan wrote, "I wish there was a bit more age diversity amongst the team. I guess that doesn't make for good drama though."

"Ok so no one is over the age of 35…," yet another fan observed.

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"Wonder how they managed to find a cheeky Aussie bloke with a mullet. Casting went far and wide," a different fan remarked.

"The story has been about younger couples for a couple of seasons and that is because the story of couples of similar ages brings our competitive culture," our insider says. "The comparison of the same age couples is compelling for audiences too. The door was open to all Australians and the best couples who applied for the show were picked."

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