Channel 5 terminates 90s reality show revival following a single season, with executives deeming it a catastrophic failure
In a recent announcement, Channel 5 has decided to cancel the reboot of the popular reality show "Faking It". The show, which originally aired on Channel 4 from 2000 to 2006, was brought back last year with three episodes, but failed to maintain its audience.
The show follows individuals attempting to learn a new career path in just four weeks. Participants, such as a fish fryer, an estate agent, and a painter-decorator, were put to the test under the guidance of an expert in the field. However, the ratings did not reflect the effort put into the show, with the first episode of the reboot not making it into the Top 50 shows airing that week, according to ratings monitor BARB.
The cancellation of "Faking It" was announced by Ben Frow, the Chief Content Officer of Channel 5. The decision came alongside the cancellation of another major reboot, the 80s series "Challenge Anneka". Frow admitted that Channel 5 started the year on a difficult note during his appearance at Edinburgh TV Fest.
The first series of the rebooted "Faking It" has been described as a 'disaster' by Channel 5. The show's premiere was criticized by viewers who labeled it a "fix". Despite the efforts of celebrity participants like Tom Skinner, a newly-announced Strictly star and wheeler dealer, the show was unable to grab an audience enough to keep it on air.
The show also required a significant commitment from its participants. Rex, a Surrey luxury estate agent, had to adopt a northern accent and work grueling 10-hour shifts as part of the show. However, these efforts were not enough to save the show from cancellation.
With the cancellation of "Faking It", it seems that it was a tough time for linear television in general. The show's poor performance may reflect broader trends in the industry, as more and more viewers turn to streaming services for their entertainment needs.
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