Top Gear scores top ratings
SYDNEY: Last night's launch of Top Gear Australia has scored SBS its highest ever audience for a locally produced program.
A total of 1.34 million viewers tuned in to watch the first episode of the eight-part series, giving SBS a prime time network share of 8.7% last night and winning the timeslot among people aged 16 to 54.
SBS director of television & online content Matt Campbell said the strong debut indicated significant growth potential for the show.
The Australian version debut even eclipsed average audience number for the most recent Top Gear UK series, on air from June to August this year, which averaged 893,000 viewers in the five mainland capital cities.
“Top Gear Australia is one of the most anticipated new shows of the year, and these results tell us Australians were ready for a local version of this fantastic show and they'll be back next week for more," said Campbell.
The program’s audience has a strong skew towards people in the highest income-earning group, OG1, with an index of 143, according to OzTAM figures.
The first nights ratings will mean it'll be back on for a second season, but it'll be interesting to see the ratings next Tuesday given the disappointment with its content and try hard.