The second episode of Top Gear Australia dropped almost a third of viewers from its record-breaking debut last week.
Overall, the program ranked 26th in last night’s prime time ratings, pulling an average audience of 674,000 nationally.
This compared with last Monday’s launch episode which ranked 13th after an average of 933,000 viewers tuned in to watch the program on SBS, setting a new record for a locally-produced program on the network.
The ratings drop off is in line with the network’s expectations, according to SBS. Matt Campbell, director of television and online content at SBS, said: “SBS is very confident in Top Gear Australia. It is early days, and we expected some audience fluctuation as the series beds in. It should also be remembered that it was several seasons before the UK series really took off. With close to 700,000 viewers last night, Top Gear Australia will remain among SBS's most-watched shows this week.”
Once again, Melbourne rated highest among the nation’s viewers with an average of 216,000, followed by Sydney with an average audience of 189,000, while Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth drew 130,000, 88,000 and 51,000 respectively.
The Seven Network took out the first five spots last night, with City Homicide once again drawing the biggest audience with an average of 1,701,000 viewers. In second ranking was The Force- Behind the Line followed by Border Security – Australia’s Front Line, Seven News, Home and Away and Today Tonight. For full TV ratings see page 4 of B&T Today.
