It’s Worth What?: Another NBC Game Show; Cancel or Keep It?

A couple weeks ago, FOX debuted a new alternative series called Buried Treasure. On that show, a pair of antique appraisers identify the hidden value of items owned by regular people. On NBC’s game show called It’s Worth What?, contestants play the appraisers and try to guess the value of unique items. FOX’s show has been tanking and probably won’t be back. Has NBC’s been doing any better?

Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, It’s Worth What? has a pair of contestants trying to guess the price of various objects or services, ranging from the cost of a night at the Jersey Shore house to the skeleton of a cave bear from 150,000 BCE. The challenges escalate in difficulty as the game progresses. If the contestants complete all rounds, they can take home as much as $1,000,000.

The series debuted on July 19th to a 1.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 6.71 million total viewers. It was second in its timeslot, easily bested by FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen. Week two’s episode dropped a whopping 26% in the demo, an above average loss for a second episode.

For episode three, the news was even worse. That installment fell another 14% to a 1.2 demo rating and just 4.87 million viewers. Week four fell again to a 1.1 in the demo and 4.4 million. So far this season, It’s Worth What? has been averaging a poor 1.3 in the demo and 4.9 million total viewers. Nine episodes were produced so that leaves two more installments. The finale’s scheduled for September 13th.

The ratings for It’s Worth What? have not been positive and there’s certainly no compelling reason for NBC to bring it back for a second season. Of the six reality/game shows that the peacock network has been running this summer, this show ranks in fifth place, beating only The Marriage Ref on Sunday nights.

But what do you think? Does this NBC series deserve a second season or should it be cancelled now?