Fail.
That would be an understatement compared to what the Australian television-viewing, Survivor-loving public have thought of Channel 9’s decision to “hold over” Survivor: Redemption Island from the schedule this week. They started the series late (not winning any friends there), but then by way of their own redemption kicked off by playing two episodes back-to-back a week to help catch up. OK, so we’re still behind the US, but we were getting there.
With the airing of last week’s double episodes, Australia was caught up. The series is airing Wednesday night in the US (Thursday here), so we still have to wait 5 days to see it on our screens. But we could hold out. At least it was being tracked, if not fast-tracked. Then… nothing. Not listed in the guide for this week.
It’s ripped open an only recently healed wound for Survivor fans. “Outrageous”. “Ludicrous”. “They wonder why people download (television) when they treat us like this”. The best that GO! could offer was this:
Not good enough, is it? No explanation, no reason why Survivor is being held over, just a lame “we agree with you, don’t blame us” response. It’s also the most the network has delivered in regard to the delay. When it returns (GO! Tue 26/4, 8:30pm), it’s only for a single episode also – meaning that Australia is now two weeks (nearly three) behind the US. Again.
Not good enough, Channel 9. Other shows have been maintained during the ratings break, and you’re starting a whole bunch of shows next week to build traction going into the new ratings period. Why stop a series that was consistently rating second highest for the night on a digital multi-channel just to burn off episodes of Two and a Half Men and Mike and Molly. You wonder why you’re struggling to maintain audiences and you treat one of the most passionate groups of viewers like this. Not. Cool.
Interestingly, have a look at what angry Community fans have had to say about that show not returning this Monday night. What do you make of all this? Are you a pissed off Survivor or Community fan? Your thoughts?
This is the reason why i watch on-line.
Given that I live somewhere that doesn’t even have the Go channel I’ve had to resort to watching it online. I’m glad I have because it is starting on WIN tv in regional WA this Saturday at 10pm with a double episode. Stupid time and so far behind it is so ridiculous.
Um, didn’t Go promote the reason for no Survivor quite heavily? The ads indicated it was because it was taking a break in the U.S. and therefore was out of their control.
If GO! promoted why they laid it over this week, just about everyone missed it and they forgot they did it. No word. There is no break – it’s still airing in the US. This is their screw up and they need to man up and take responsibility.
This really has to be one of the worse decisions ever Ch 9.
It just might be if you looked after your viewers in the non ratings period, you would make better during the ratings periods.
Loyalty comes for thinking if viewers all year.
Try staying consistent and we’ll try staying loyal to programming by you.
It’s called CUSTOMER SERVICE.
I was kinda over Survivor around Season 2. I know, it’s just me 🙂
They force people to watch it online then complain that it’s not popular enough to be shown.
And to the person up above – there was no break in the US.
In the US there hasn’t even been a catchup episode yet.
After watching Redemption Island and how obvious it was that the producers were making sure Rob won, I am no longer a Survivor fan. Rob summed it up when he whispered not to worry, they will all be smiles soon. Somehow along the way, lying has become ok. Lying is not outwitting. Long time fan cured of his survivor addiction by Rob and this season.
To Pete;
I’m curious; what exactly are the producers doing that was making sure that Rob would win?
Cheers,
MT
PS – are there any fans of Survivor in Sydney?