The Bachelor premieres to its LOWEST ever audience – as more people watch ABC’s Hard Quiz than the first episode of Locky Gilbert’s season
The eighth season of The Bachelor pulled in 681,000 metro viewers on Wednesday, which is the show’s lowest ever launch ratings.
However, regional numbers catapulted the figures to 872,000 viewers nationally, making it the evening’s second most-watched entertainment show – falling just behind ABC’s Hard Quiz.
The show, which saw former Australian Survivor star Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert as the lead, topped all the key demographics.
Ratings: The eighth season of The Bachelor pulled in 681,000 metro viewers on Wednesday, which is the show’s lowest ever launch ratings
Network 10’s head of programming Daniel Monaghan said: ‘The new season of The Bachelor Australia has started strongly on all platforms.
‘It was the number one show on TV last night in under 50s and all the key demographics, #1 in live streaming and the #1 entertainment show on social media.
“We’re pleased with how Australians have responded to the beginning of Locky’s journey to find his one true love.
‘It’s going to be a great season with lots of fun, laughter, romance, tears and, of course, more than one curveball as the contestants find themselves searching for love in a global pandemic,’ he concluded.
Viewers: However, regional numbers catapulted the figures to 872,000 viewers nationally, making it the evening’s second most-watched entertainment show – falling just behind ABC’s Hard Quiz
While The Bachelor didn’t top the list of entertainment shows for the evening, its viewing figures were an improvement from last week’s Bachelor in Paradise.
Spin-off Bachelor In Paradise had only 490,000 viewers tune in during the same 7.30 pm time slot last week.
During the premiere episode of The Bachelor, Locky was undoubtedly spoilt for choice as he met a bevvy of flirtatious beauties who pulled out all the stops to impress him.
However, the episode wasn’t without its drama as contestant Zoe-Clare McDonald had a meltdown over being the ‘only redhead’ in the mansion, claimed to have been unfairly targeted by Areeba Emmanuel.
Impressive: The show, which saw former Australian Survivor star Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert as the lead, topped all the key demographics
In a Bachelor franchise first, Locky was given the opportunity to hand out a triple threat rose, which guaranteed one lucky lady an advantage.
He awarded it to dancer Nicole Campbell, who couldn’t believe her luck.
However, he sadly had to send two girls home and Locky made the difficult decision to eliminate Paige Royal along with Nadine Kodsi during the first rose ceremony.
The Bachelor continues Thursday from 7:30pm on Channel 10.
Don’t miss! The Bachelor continues Thursday from 7:30pm on Channel 10