While many pundits have blamed the likes of Netflix for the recent declines in “Free To Air TV” (FTA), well-worn programing formats may have more to do with it. The plethora of Renovation and Cooking shows across both FTA and Subscription TV (STV) has bought about a decline in excitement of the next “room reveal” or latest “elimination round” dish, ensuring falls in rating, from the highs of previous years.
Then you have Masterchef. The Ten Network has been intelligent about protecting and revitalising its’ most valuable Australian franchise. In the last 12 months resisting the urge to spin-off a “children’s”, “professional” or other version, in doing so, they have rested the format and created a hunger with the audience for its return. (Pardon the pun!)