MasterChef viewers drop significantly after scandal

MasterChef's return has faced backlash, resulting in a significant viewer drop.

MasterChef loses nearly a million viewers after scandal

MasterChef's latest season debuted to disappointing ratings, attracting just 1.96 million viewers for its first episode. This marks a steep decline from last year’s launch, which had 2.7 million viewers. The show’s fate was reportedly impacted by the scandal involving co-presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode, both of whom were dismissed after allegations of inappropriate behavior. Despite the controversy, BBC decided to air the already filmed episodes, leading to complaints from some fans and concerns from broadcasting union Bectu, which stated that viewing could be troubling for those affected by the allegations.

The reaction from audiences reflects a broader trend in entertainment where public figures accused of misconduct face immediate consequences. This drop in viewership not only highlights the potential damage from scandals but also raises questions about how networks handle controversies surrounding their stars. By airing the new episodes, the BBC has shown a commitment to the contestants while simultaneously risking further backlash from viewers

Highlights

As public sentiment evolves, the future of similar shows may be at stake amidst increasing scrutiny.