HDTV Ratings: March 7

BBFS dynamic duo take beating in ratings

Renewal prospects for Bigger Better Faster Stronger seem bleak after last night’s episode failed to top 5% of the key age groups it targets.

On the back of a low-rating Million Dollar Catch, TV3’s HD take on Scrapheap Challenge drew only 4.6% of 18-49 year-olds and 4.8% of 25-54 year-olds, which was sharply down on last week.

It held steady with householder shoppers with kids – 7.6% — but this was only half the viewership of TV One’s Piha Rescue and TV2’s The Amazing Race.

Rather than languish in third place with these numbers, TV3 would be better to offer a non-reality hour at 7.30pm to distinguish itself from both TVNZ channels.

BBFS’s performance also dented CSI’s appeal, which was down markedly from last week’s resurgence: 6.9% of 18-49 and 25-54, and 11.3% of HHS/kids.

As a result, TV2’s HD rival, Desperate Housewives, was up in 18-49 and 25-54, although down two ratings points in HHS/kids.

Its stablemate, Brothers & Sisters, followed the same pattern while its HD competition, TV3’s The Almighty Johnsons, was up slightly in all of the key demos.

TV One’s 8.30pm HD warhorse, Criminal Minds, was consistent with last week, rating midway between CSI and Desperate Housewives in popularity.