ABC recently unveiled a new primetime game show called Downfall. Will it meet the network’s expectations or will lack of viewers be the series’ downfall.
Downfall lets contestants try to answer trivia questions in the pursuit of expensive prizes and one million dollars. The game takes place atop a 10-story building in Los Angeles. Racing against the clock and a giant conveyor belt that holds their prizes, contestants must answer questions before the prizes go over the edge and crash to the street below.
Hosted by Chris Jericho, the new series debuted last Tuesday on ABC. Unfortunately, the ratings could hardly be considered a winning performance. The first episode of Downfall attracted a 1.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.674 million viewers. That put the show in third place in the demo and fourth place for total viewers. Adding insult to injury, it lost approximately 40% of lead-in Wipeout’s audience.
Though the networks have lower expectations for game shows and reality shows because they’re cheaper to produce, ABC execs cannot be pleased with this performance. Series also typically lose 10-20% of the premiere audience in week two and Downfall doesn’t have a lot to lose.
Six episodes have been produced already so it’s very likely that the network will let them all air. It’s unlikely however that they’ll be ordering any additional installments.
But, what do you think? Is Downfall worth watching? Should ABC make more episodes and give it more time to find an audience or, should they cut their losses and just cancel it already?
Image courtesy ABC.
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45 Comments on "Downfall: New ABC Game Show; Cancel or Keep It?"
The fact that they pulled it is ******* ridiculous. People don’t need to ***** about the economy, isn’t that what game shows is about? Escaping for some fun on TV, having a laugh, some entertainment, and an awesome host? **** the economy when talking about game shows, in this case, they’re just replicas; why the **** does it matter.
Hi i think downfall should comeback because it is a neat concept and also bring back i survived a japenese game show and also deal or no deal
I love Downfall!! It is 1 of the best game shows they have had in a long time!!! I really hope they don’t cancel it. Put in on in place of some of the really bad shows they have on right now!!!
downfall is a great gameshow an they couldn’t have got a better host then Chris, ABC would be “crazy” not to keep this show it has me on the edge of my seat every time!!!! “This is just the type of show we need in the world today”
I like downfall i think its a good show i hope it stays on its better than that stupid wipeout
I agree
I thought the show was great. Chris Jericho has the charm and charisma and knows how to entertain the audience. The show should definitely come back.
bring back Japannese GameShow!
I like your thinking Linda. Why not suggest that Chris host the show in a skimpy bathing suit? Would work for me.
Keep the show. Its very fun to watch! I think though that Chris should be wearing less clothes. I think everytime someone loses he should have to take off an an article of clothing LOL that would make everyone watch!!!!
Love the show. I really love Chris. Keep it on abc. You made me very angry canceling happy town. Theres not enough good programs on this channel. please keep this one on the air. Chris is so hotttt!!!
its troo nuthing is beeing smasht four reel its all computer CMGI
you ppl need 2 learn that what they drop is not real!!!!!
Downfall is my favorite show EVER!!!!! i know SO MANY of the answers!!!!! please DO NOT take it off!!!!!!! btw its in rite after my other favorite show WIPEOUT!!!!!!!!!!
Whether they are using replicas or not, this show is an EXAMPLE of American over-consumerism and waste. Clearly not everyone realizes that the items aren’t real, especially kids. I personally don’t want my kids to see something like this and get the idea that it’s fine to destroy perfectly good merchandise or even take joy in watching the destruction of such things. It’s disappointing that this is considered entertainment. The show makes me sick to my stomach. I hope it does get cancelled, and that a similar show is never created.