A very quick observation, but just looking at the reports of last night’s prime time overnight ratings, ITV drama really isn’t in a good way, is it?
I’m chiefly talking about The Fixer, which TV Today confidently predicted some time back was going to be a critical and ratings success. And it’s great - a bit gritty, a bit funny, well made and edgier than most of ITV’s drama output. And yet last night’s episode, now well into the run of the series, could only manage 4 million viewers. Admittedly, that’s not a terrible figure in this day and age, and for ITV, it seems to be well above the average for a mid-week drama - The Palace hovered worryingly above the two million mark for most of its run.
But let’s put this in context of what was on BBC1: a repeat of New Tricks. Yes, a repeat of New Tricks, managed to pull in 4.8 million viewers. I find that staggering. A first run, top-flight ITV drama can be bested by the repeat of a show that has no doubt had multiple airings by close to a million viewers? You must be having a laugh…
This is not a good state of affairs, but I also have to question the tastes of the audience and wonder how The Fixer, along with the excellent He Kills Coppers can pull such low ratings on ITV when tawdry nonsense like Benidorm attracts a healthy 6 million. And that’s in the traditional ratings graveyard that is Friday night.
I guess the only lesson to take from this is that there’s no accounting for taste - possibly the most valuable mantra any TV executive can ever learn. I mean, how else do you explain Tittybangbang?
The Fixer is on Monday at 9pm on ITV1
I couldn't agree more about The Fixer. It's not perfect, but it is very good, and has a good balance between drama, humour and action. I hope that ITV stick with it for a second series, though it must be doubtful.
I agree about the Fixer, and have great sympathy for all involved. The average TV viewer must be very difficult to please. It's not a perfect programme, but compares favourably with many US imports that people are mad for...prison break, 24 etc. I don't know what ITV can do to attract viewers. I hope they won't give up on the Fixer...a longer run in season 2 might help...if there is a series 2?