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.
Totally keep it….my next top show to “survivors”………lets do this CBS
This was the only reality show my husband and I would watch. please bring it back.
Yes, please!! We’re hooked.
Keep it! I keep checking for when Season 2 will be starting.
They should totally renew but re-tool it a little bit. Some of the “challenges” just didn’t seem that challenging. They also need better cinematography. They need to do a better job of making us feel out grueling of a challenge it is to simply get from one check point to another. And yes, a little more drama wouldn’t hurt either! Go Season 2!
It’s a great show!!! The premise of the show is based on winning because your team is the most resourceful, athletic, and perseveres (with luck tossed in, too). You don’t survive on “Survivor” without being the most manipulative and conniving – and then you win! Great characteristics to promote!
KEEP IT! i love love love this show! kept me excited for thursday nights:)
I loved this show. Have never really gotten into Amazing Race, but this show is real. It doesn’t focus on Drama and such, but focuses on the journey has difficult tasks and amazing people. I would watch this show before any other.
Our family loved expedition impossible. Since We like amazing race and survivor, this was a great combo of both. We hope you give it one more season to gain viewership.
only caught the last few shows- it wasn’t well advertised but once I found it, I was hooked, enjoyed it more than amazing race which I am already a fan. please run another one.
I loved this show. How do I become a contestant? please sign me up!!!!!
The Gypsies and the No limits were awesome teams, they worked great together and really made the show worth watching.
Keep it. This whole show and the final outcome felt very real. I truly enjoyed every episode.
Need to keep this show…its the only reality show I’ve ever actually enjoyed. Like Michele said, its nice to see a show that is based on true teamwork and respect. (The scenery was great as well). I think it would be great to see one of these shows come to America as well, instead of a foreign country. Why not send these contestants through the mountainous wilderness of Montana or Wyoming? Just a thought…
Keep it!!!!! I want to do it!!!
Please renew. It was the only program I have watched in several years. It was a necessary change to watch a competition that was based on mutual respect and team-work- great scenery too!