Last night, ABC wrapped up the first season of 500 Questions, their new primetime game show. How did it do in the ratings? Is it a slam-dunk to be renewed for a second season or, will it certainly be cancelled instead?
Hosted by Richard Quest, 500 Questions lets some adult geniuses try to answer 500 very difficult general knowledge questions and win lots of cash — without answering three in a row incorrectly.
Airing over the course of seven evenings, the series debuted on May 20th to a 1.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 5.058 million viewers. It wasn’t a great start, even for a summer series.
The numbers dropped over the seven episodes but didn’t dip below four million. They averaged a 1.04 demo rating with 4.79 million.
Looking at the numbers, there’s really no reason for ABC to renew 500 Questions for a second season. It surely didn’t attract much attention as an “event”. Still, there is a chance that the network will bring it back for another short run, filling a gap in their schedule. It didn’t cost ABC much to make and it did maintain its (small) viewership numbers as people begin to cut back on their television viewing in the warmer months.
But, what do you think? Do you like the 500 Questions series? Cancel or keep it?
Keep it please. Host is great!
Keep it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I say it deserves a renewal. Fun show, and I’m quite a fan of Richard Quest in anything he does.
Yes we should ignore the fact the show claims it has no saves, no helps or multiple choice but is built around those very things. We should renew it because of the host and the fun factor.
> Yes we should ignore the fact the show claims it has no saves, > no helps, or multiple choice but is built around those very things. Well, BOB, there are arguments for and against what you just said. Yes, when they get 15 seconds to try to get the answer to one question, that is multiple choice, but if they get it on the second guess, they don’t get any points. In other words, there are several levels of RIGHT and WRONG. RIGHT: earn 1000 or 3000 points RIGHT: earn 0 points WRONG: 0 points So, the player can… Read more »
The show is not what they advertised.
keep it…. What a great show
Loved 500 questions!! I am no genius but it teaches me alot and I watch it every night… plus you can’t cancel it in the middle of someone’s turn that’s just dumb!!
Keep It!
When there were 178 comments, there were only three votes to get rid of the host, and one to get rid of the show. Every other vote was to KEEP the show.
JohnWm.
Keep the show; fire the host. Richard Quest is way too hyper and loud. He drives me crazy.
We loved 500 Questions and watched all episodes. Please bring back this excellent show. So sick of reality shows that are meaningless and ridiculous!
Love this show! Want it ever night!! I love watching smart people!
Keep it. Much better than Reality programs that are on.
A person could learn something from this program.
Get rid of the English Host. Hard to understand at times.
Didn’t think I would enjoy but was I wrong. Good show
Keep it!!!! So refreshing after all of the “reality” shows. More, more, more, pleeeeease!!!!
I do hope they bring it back next summer, if not earlier. One suggestion, when you show the person’s qualifications, also include the Hi IQ groups that they are members of.
Did Thursday night’s 162 question runner-up change his strategy at the last second, in order to keep his total. It just seemed weird to me that he let himself lose control.
Also, is there a way to get a zero question correctly answered winner in a game show category in Guinness Book for World Records? Or are they better examples?
John
Most geniuses don’t belong to “High IQ groups” like Mensa because most geniuses don’t have to be reminded that they’re really smart.
Liked it and loved the host’s sense Of humor.