ABC recently unveiled a new reality competition series called Expedition Impossible. From Mark Burnett, the force behind Survivor and The Apprentice, the TV show bears more than a passing resemblance to CBS’ long-running The Amazing Race. Will this new series be as successful or will it be quickly cancelled instead?
Hosted by zoologist Dave Salmoni, Expedition Impossible follows 13 teams of three people racing through the great outdoors — across barren deserts and over snow-covered mountains. Each week, a new part of the expedition is revealed to the contestants and at least one team is eliminated from the competition. The winning trio of adventurers receives $50,000 each in prize money and a new Ford Explorer.
The TV series debuted on June 23rd to a 2.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 7.18 million viewers, airing opposite all repeats. That was a healthy premiere and Expedition Impossible was first in the timeslot for the demo and second in total viewership, behind CSI.
A week later, the demo numbers fell 25% to a 1.8 in the demo and 6.16 million viewers. The following episodes’ ratings kept dropping week after week with occasional upward spikes. On August 11th, Expedition Impossible hit a low of a 1.1 demo rating and just 3.83 million viewers.
So far this season, it’s averaging a 1.6 in the demo and 5.19 million viewers. With the exception of Friday night’s Karaoke Battle USA, Expedition Impossible has the worst ratings average of any reality competition series currently on the network. It had a solid start but the overall decline has been serious.
ABC could choose to bring this show back for season two but, quite honestly, they have other summer options that perform better.
But, what do you think? Does Expedition Impossible deserve to be renewed for season two or should it be cancelled instead?
Image courtesy ABC.
My husband and I really enjoyed Expedition Impossible! We hope the network picks it up. Team No Limits were inspirational. Team Gypsy, well they know what team work is all about. Great Show!
It is a more intense version of Amazing Race (rather than a sad imitation) and Survivor, all rolled into one.
KEEP IT, please!
RENEW IT!
Personally I am not a fan. II set my dvr but really it seems like getting from one location to another is always either run, canoe, or camel. Yes Amazing race has a limited number of ways to get around as well, but there seems to be more tension in Amazing race, will you get the cabbie from hell or someone with a flat tire, or someone who does not know where you are going… In Amazing race I would like to see teams penalized for using locals to ask for directions and information. Wasn’t there a season where they… Read more »
keep it!
LOVE IT…The challenges are not only physical but mental as well…No Limits is amazing hope the win…Would love to see MORE !!!
We like it better than the Amazing Race, because it’s not tied to how good a cab driver you get—or who you can find that speaks english and can lead you to the sights–It’s more about the teams and who is the best overall team, both physically and how well they work together–
Keep it and I hope they have even more inspiring teams next season.
My husband and I love the show! It is our favorite. Team No Limits is inspirational. Please renew for another season. A summer start is hard on a show.
I think it should be renewed also. My only suggestion is that I would like to see the time difference between the groups getting to the final location. No Limits is inspiring to say the least.
It should be renewed and it isn’t a sad imitation of Amazing Race. These challenges are really AMAZING. It makes Survivor look like a kids game.
Absolutely should be renewed. I think it is the best reality ever. These challenges are really challenging not silly like Survivor. It makes Survivor look like a kids show. Please let it be renewed. I know so many people who are trying to get on next season’s show.
keep it ;; I have my team ready to go for season two ;; we’ll get the ratings up
At the end of leg 9 the team No Limit member with the bad ankle….. well the whole show it was his right ankle but at one point when they were running just before the finish line the camera showed him with his LEFT ankle all taped up ??????
it’s a sad sad imitation of the amazing race.