The gloves are off! Seven makes a power play by changing its schedule to pit Big Brother against the Bachelor in Paradise premiere in the ratings
The Seven Network is confident that Big Brother Australia is performing well enough to go head to head with Channel 10’s Bachelor in Paradise premiere next week.
The network has reshuffled its schedule so that Big Brother is in direct competition with the launch of Paradise’s third season at 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 15.
By airing true crime documentary An Outback Murder: The Falconio and Lees Mystery on Sunday night, Seven has pushed its first Big Brother episode of the week to Monday.
Who will take top spot? Seven is confident that Big Brother Australia is performing well enough to go head to head with Channel 10’s Bachelor in Paradise premiere next week. Pictured left: Big Brother’s Angela Clancy, and right: Bachelor in Paradise star Keira Maguire
This means that Big Brother will air next week from Monday to Wednesday, instead of its usual schedule of Sunday to Tuesday.
The decision to switch up the programming timetable will no doubt raise eyebrows, as Channel 10 announced Bachelor in Paradise’s premiere date (July 15) last month.
Given that both shows target the younger demographic, it could mean a rough start for Bachelor in Paradise if viewers stick with Big Brother instead.
Paradise in trouble? As both shows target the younger demographic it could mean a tough return for Bachelor in Paradise with viewers tuning in to Big Brother instead
Seven is likely feeling confident about taking the top spot, having the advantage of several weeks of programming under its belt.
By contrast, it has been more than a year since Bachelor in Paradise was on screens.
However, it’s important to note that Paradise has loyal fans, and the second season premiered to solid ratings in April 2019.
Advantage: Channel Seven are likely feeling confident they can take out the top spot as they do have the advantage of having already been on air for several weeks
Meanwhile, Channel 10 is also expecting decent ratings when The Bachelor returns for its eighth season in August.
Fans are not doubt thrilled to see former Australian Survivor star Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert make his debut as the titular suitor.
Seven has exciting launches in the pipeline, too, with the reboot of Farmer Wants a Wife returning later this month.
Upcoming shows: Channel Ten are expected to see good ratings with the release of the next season of The Bachelor starring Survivor’s Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert (pictured)