ITV has axed a new show hosted by Doctor Who star David Tennant after fans were left scratching their heads as they struggled to understand the rules
ITV has confirmed that a David Tennant-fronted programme will not be making a comeback for a second run.
The Doctor Who legend stepped into the shoes of The Creator in the eight-episode reality competition, Genius Game, which drew its concept from a South Korean format.
The show featured participants who were selected for their intellect and emotional intelligence, as they battled it out in the ultimate test of endurance. To win, competitors had to take part in a series of groundbreaking challenges all crafted to not only examine their mental sharpness but also prompt them to employ psychological warfare to outsmart their rivals.
However, the format turned out to be “too complicated” for many viewers, leading ITV to decide against commissioning another series, reports the Express.
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At the Edinburgh TV Festival, ITV boss Kevin Lygo remarked: “I think it was a good try, but the audience was complicated. But I do know people who were obsessed with it.
“You know, especially young people were obsessed with and couldn’t believe we were not going to bring it back. But you know, I think in entertainment we all know how difficult it is to launch a big new show.”
The show also saw ratings fall. Around 1.2million viewers had watched the opening instalment, though figures fell to 800,000 for the follow-up episode.
The programme sparked a mixed response on social media.
One viewer “loved it”, writing on X: “This was a really good premiere of #GeniusGame for ITV. I’m a bit wary that the general public can’t understand the games, but for me, it’s about smart people trying to outsmart their peers.”
However, some viewers were less impressed. One person posted: “Sorry #GeniusGame it’s a no from me, way too complicated for that time of night, I need mindless entertainment after a busy day, ITV should’ve just extended #CBBUK instead.”
Another viewer confessed: “I’m struggling to understand. I’m clearly no genius, the rules on rules on rules are something else #GeniusGame.”
“So do you have to be a genius to understand The Genius Game?” asked another. “I have completely no idea what’s actually happening.”
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