Australian Ninja Warrior is assassinating its primetime competition so effortlessly it has practically guaranteed itself a second season even before the country's first ever ninja warrior has been crowned.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
With Monday night's instalment snapping up a national peak audience of 2.56 million, it appears Australia's appetite for ripped athletes and hilarious face plants isn't going to slow down any time soon.
While a second instalment hasn't been officially announced, Fairfax Media understands a second season is now very likely.
Nine's programming bosses were originally sceptical about the likelihood of a second season given how expensive the show is to make. The exact figure is a closely guarded secret, but a quick glance at the huge set and number of contestants indicates Ninja Warrior is among the most expensive reality shows on Australian TV.
The investment is paying off, though, much to the delight of Nine staff. Monday night's episode smashed Channel Ten's Masterchef and Seven's Highway Patrol by just over 1 million viewers (city and regional).
Sunday night's episode snapped up the biggest audience to date, peaking at 3.08 million viewers. The first three episodes also won their respective timeslots - with peak metro and regional audiences of between 2.5 and 2.8 million people.
Nine's director of television, Michael Healy, said he is ecstatic with Australian Ninja Warrior's ratings.
"We programmed Ninja as event television to be enjoyed by the whole family," he said. "We're completely thrilled that it has been embraced by Australians of all ages. It is aspirational viewing that celebrates everyday Australians embracing healthy lifestyles and fitness."
A possible second season could see some of this season's best "all stars" reunite to compete on an even bigger and tougher obstacle course, according to The Australian, with a side trip to Japan on the cards.
