We continue to build on our momentum with a sensational first half for 2023 and we’re leaning into a massive content slate for H2 with new shows and fan-favourites set to capture audience attention. Our success to date includes strong growth across the A-Leagues football season that continued to peak right up to the finals. The Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final was won by underdogs Central Coast Mariners who beat the favourite Melbourne City 6-1, in the highest scoring final in the championship’s history. The final’s total national audience was another high up 51% on last year, plus excellent growth across the key demos up 62% in 25 to 54s, 58% in under 50s and 39% in 16 to 39s. This season also set new highs for digital viewing compared to last season with Isuzu UTE A-League matches up 48% in minutes viewed and Liberty A-League matches saw 63% growth in minutes viewed.
Another sensational peak was the finale of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! when the coronation of Queen Liz Ellis notched up #1 entertainment show, #1 show for 16 to 39s and was the biggest finale shares we’ve seen since 2021. It topped off a right royal season that saw the show secure #1 in its timeslot in 25 to 54s, growth in overnight audiences up 31% to a total national audience of 807,000, and achieved the biggest BVOD audience ever up 36% on last year.
Audiences are also loving the return of Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Cheap Seats with both shows winning 8.30pm on Monday and Tuesdays nights, dominating the commercial shares, and their biggest BVOD audiences up 18% and 28% respectively year-on-year, resulting in growth in their total audiences compared to 2022.
In the coming weeks we’ll see the finale of MasterChef Australia with the season so far achieving #1 program on commercial BVOD since launch and #1 reality show on-air in total people and in the key demos. We’ll then dine the delicious debut of new MasterChef spin off series, Dessert Masters, where Melissa Leong and Amaury Guichon will taste their way through some of the most inventive and irresistible desserts Australia has ever seen created by some seriously sweet chefs.
Next week on Thursday 15 June, we’ll premiere the ground-breaking documentary series The First Inventors, a unique co-commission between Network 10 and NITV. The four-part series is presented and narrated by Logie Award-winning actor and proud Tiwi Islander man Rob Collins who leads a team of First Nations investigators, uncovering more than 65,000 years of invention and innovation. We’re immensely proud of this series that aligns with our brand values and commitment to use our broadcast power and cultural influence to promote reconciliation in Australia.
Looking to H2 we’ve got a solid content slate ready to delight and entertain audiences with a foray of family-friendly shows. The return of much-loved comedy show, Thank God You’re Here, will be hosted by the talented and witty Celia Pacquola plus new judges, new ensemble cast and a new generation of comedians to walk through the iconic blue door into an array of sticky situations. The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition will see host Beau Ryan, put our star racers and their partners through their paces as they travel non-stop around the world. Devious treachery is guaranteed with the return of The Traitors, the ultimate game of deception. Our Australian version of this UK and US smash hit will see diverse contestants such as a wrestler, federal agent, actor and motivational speaker, take on other cunning contenders in an enthralling showcase of calculated gameplay. And Melbourne is ready to accept our rose, welcoming The Bachelor franchise to Victoria that will see romance blossom in the Creative State. Plus, the craziest guessing game on TV returns with family favourite The Masked Singer Australia set to delight all ages with big hits, huge celebrities and epic masks.
This is just a little slice of what’s in store so keep an eye out for our upcoming announcements for the second half of 2023. Up Close invites were also sent this week which is a guaranteed view of the opportunities we have across the Paramount playground so make sure to RSVP or reach out to your sales representative to secure your invite.
Rod Prosser
Chief Sales Officer, Paramount ANZ
Source: OzTAM National VPM, 7 Day BVOD + Live stream
