We’re back to watching Challenges that actually get rated, and the numbers (should) get bigger. We’re looking at millions of views instead of the tens of people who still tune into MTV. So let’s see how the show did.
The 90-minute first episode of The Challenge: USA received:
- 2.326 million viewers
- A 0.24 rating in the 18-34 demo
- A 0.41 rating in the 18-49 demographic
Meanwhile, Big Brother’s debut was viewed by 3.84 million viewers with 0.56/0.81 ratings in the 18-34/18-49 demos. Compare this to Survivor’s most recent debut episode in March (season 42, ep. 1) which received 4.96 million viewers and a 0.55/0.84 ratings in the 18-34/18-49 demos. Compare this to Spies, Lies & Allies episode 1 which received 660,000 viewers with a 0.38 rating in the 18-49 demographic (we get less info on cable shows).
In summary, it was a weak start, even compared to other CBS shows. 1.5 million people left between Big Brother and this show, so it’s definitely not a breakout smash.
Stop Being Polite 