The alphabet network recently premiered a reality show called Secret Millionaire. It’s airing in the Sunday night timeslot traditionally occupied by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. What many don’t realize is that the show isn’t new and first aired on FOX back in December 2008. Those six episodes did poorly and it was cancelled. Will it perform any better for ABC?
On Secret Millionaire, wealthy people are sent undercover to some of the most dangerous and impoverished areas in the country. They spend their time volunteering and meeting people who are doing good things and helping others. As they prepare to leave, the millionaires revisit deserving people, reveal their true identities, and present them with checks for thousands of dollars, drawn from their own bank accounts. Lots of happy crying ensues.
The series debuted on ABC on March 3rd to a very healthy 3.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 12.67 million viewers. That was nearly 50% better than the season-to-date average of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
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In week two, Secret Millionaire came down to a 2.8 demo rating and 11.43 million, a decline of 18%. For the third episode, the demo fell another 11% to a 2.5 rating with 10.29 million viewers. When would the ratings slide stop?
The following week, the numbers perked up a bit to a 2.7 rating and 10.63 million viewers. It looks like the finals for last night’s airing will be about the same.
With one more episode left to this season, Secret Millionaire is averaging a 2.9 rating in the demo and 11.26 million viewers. That’s quite good and makes it the ninth highest-rated ABC show among 18-49 viewers, tying with Cougar Town and beating dramas like Private Practice and Brothers & Sisters. With these numbers, it’s all but guaranteed to return for a second season.
But, what do you think? Is Secret Millionaire worth keeping or would you cancel it? Is the concept getting old already? Are you disappointed that they don’t give away more money?
Image courtesy ABC.
I miss this show. 2.22.15
The reason they want to cancell the show is because they are helping people. People now days want to watch violence on tv. I would reather watch secerit millionaire.