Nine’s The Block took all-comers once again in last night’s battle for TV eyeballs. however, it was the ABC’s Q&A that was noticeable for its lack of an audience.

The stalwart reno show again bought home the goods for Nine, snaring 1.33 million viewers and handing the network the night with 30.3 per cent audience share. Seven was second with 25.8 per cent, the ABC had 18.8 per cent, Ten was a disappointing fourth with 17.7 per cent and SBS 7.5 per cent.

However, the ABC’s Q&A – often praised as the social zeitgeist of our times – only pulled 382,000 viewers last night, one of its worst results in some time. Last night’s episode was billed as as a special on the nation’s energy crisis, but the conversation inevitably turned to the vote on marriage reform.

Seven won the battle of the 6pm news bulletins beating rival Nine 1.08 million to 900,000. However, Nine had better luck with the season finale of This Time Next Year (803,000) and ACA (887,000).

Over at Seven, Highway Patrol (686,000), The Chase (623,000) and Little Boy Blue (487,000) was the story of its night.

For Ten, Have You Been Paying Attention? continued its erratic audience share, managing only 693.000. The Project pulled 579,000 and Australian Survivor had a disappointing 559,000.

For the ABC, its night comprised 7pm news (801,000), 7:30 (670,000), Australian Story (638,000), Four Corners (612,000), Media Watch (511,000) and Q&A (382,000).