LOL at the contrast between last night's X Factor rating in Australia and the UK rating. Just shows how different the markets are and how one extremely successful format in one locale is not guaranteed to work anywhere near as well elsewhere.
It's been pondered many times before, but I do wonder how long it's going to be before our appetite wanes for this kind of show, because it doesn't look like we're even close to that stage yet. Australia got bored after about two or three seasons of Idol, yet we still lap it up year after year in all its different guises with this series hitting new highs. What gives? I know The X Factor has helped keep itself interesting by regularly refreshing the format and bringing in new judges and categories, etc, but in all that time the core concept hasn't changed that much at all nor has the different phases of the competition. I don't know whether to put it down to luck or what, as it seems pretty miraculous that this show could still be growing! What exactly is it that we love so much about The X Factor?
Kevin O'Sullivan says Must Be The Music on Sky is finding more talent in one series than The X Factor has in the 6 or so years it's been on air, and yet people are not watching. So I can only assume from that that people are less interested in the talent and more interested in the entertainment value, and that Simon/Louis/Cheryl are pretty integral to its success.
Next year will be interesting as BGT is going to see some major changes as will TXF. At the very least TXF is going to be moving out of its usual home from August to December where people expect to find it. Moving it might have bigger ramifications than people think and Strictly could benefit a lot. The whole dynamics of Saturday night TV will change.
Until then though, it looks like The X Factor will refuse to go about its business quietly, much to the dismay of its knockers. In fact, this year the show is looking even more of a powerhouse than usual. ITV also seem to be making better use of the lead-in than usual, and Downton Abbey has the most extraordinary chance next week to shine. The advert for it which was wheeled out many times last night screams quality, expensive, well made drama. Scheduled in a cushty slot right after the nation's favourite, I would hope to see figures in excess of 7m and I think anything less than 6m would be considered a disappointment, especially when Joe Maddison's War has achieved that with much less fanfare than Downton has already received with 6 days still to go.
