The launch of Network Ten’s The Great Australian Spelling Bee last night drew in 921,000 viewers in a five-city metro and was the second most watched non-news program for the night, according to Oztam preliminary ratings.
Nine’s reality cooking show The Hot Plate was the most watched non-news program for the night, at 944,000.
Unsurprisingly, Ten is pretty chuffed with the results, with a spokesperson telling B&T: “We are very happy with the first night ratings for The Great Australian Spelling Bee, which was number one in its timeslot in total people, 25 to 54s and under 55s.
“We look forward to bringing the rest of this amazing series – and the amazing children – to all Australians.”
Viewers in Melbourne were the most interested to see who was spelling correctly, bringing in 318,000 viewers, with Sydneysiders the second most keen at 299,000 viewers.
The launch wasn’t enough for Ten to win the night however, although the networks were all pretty close in the daily share.
Nine won the night overall with a share of 25 per cent, Seven just behind with 24.5 per cent.
Third was Ten with 21.9 per cent, and fourth the ABC with 21.8 per cent. SBS wasn’t as close, with 6.8 per cent.
Twitter users were pretty keen on the show.
What a wonderful program. #SpellingBeeAU #spellingbee I predict a hit.
— Stephen Brook (@ViscountBrooky) August 3, 2015
These young punks on #SpellingBeeAU make me realise the nation has a future!!! Some good heart and manners #wellplayed
— Tim Verrall (@timverrall) August 3, 2015
#SpellingBeeAU is oddly addictive
— Tim Verrall (@timverrall) August 3, 2015
What #SpellingBeeAU reveals to me is how good these kids are at spelling… and how bad their parents are at it.
— Mr Molkbot (@MolksTVTalk) August 3, 2015
Good to see intelligent kids are still out there. i do worry about the future generations that will run this country. #SpellingBeeAU
— DeeMasa (@DMasa) August 3, 2015
#SpellingBeeAU such a funny show! Kids hearts breaking on camera, dreams destroyed. Brilliant
— Ronnie Peace (@Ronnie_Peace) August 3, 2015
As with everything, it’s not going to float everyone’s boat.
So this is what Australian TV has come to. Another competition show on something no one gives a shit about. Perfect. #SpellingBeeAU
— Bradley Ingram (@excalibrad) August 3, 2015
They build up so much suspense but if you actually know how to spell it ruins the suspense. #SpellingBeeAU
— Josef Barker (@josefdoesradio) August 3, 2015
And made some people realise they may need to hit the dictionary again…
I spelled #spellingbeeau wrong! *hangs head in shame* https://t.co/ffxI2rlODx
— Kerri Sackville (@KerriSackville) August 3, 2015
When you realise you’ve been spelling ‘rhinoceros’ wrong your whole life… #SpellingBeeAU
— Niko Pajarillo (@nikopajarillo) August 3, 2015
People that can’t spell really should watch this show. They could learn something. #SpellingBeeAU
— Josef Barker (@josefdoesradio) August 3, 2015
