David Tennant’s new ITV gameshow is reportedly not long for this TV world, amid low viewership figures.
The Genius Game debuted earlier this year in a timeslot that put it up against Race Across The World, and it seems the gamble has not paid off, as the show has been branded an ‘expensive flop’.
Hosted by the 54-year-old Doctor Who star, the programme saw 11 people billed as geniuses battle it out in what ITV dubbed a ‘fiendish battle of wits’ to test their intelligence and try to clinch a top prize.
Yet only 1.2 million viewers tuned in for the first episode (via Broadcast Now), significantly behind Race Across the World, which pulled in 3.1 million in the same timeslot over on BBC One.
According to the Radio Times, the low ratings for The Genius Game put the show at just half the 2.2 million average for the 9pm time slot on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Following the surprisingly low ITV viewer numbers, the show is now reportedly on the precipice of being cancelled.
![From Remarkable Entertainment Genius Game: on ITV1 & ITVX Pictured: DAVID TENNANT. This photograph is (C) Remarkable Entertainment and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: michael.taiwo1@itv.com](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SEI_252286989-be10.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
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A TV insider has now told The Sun that since the game show’s finale failed to muster viewing figures to trump a BBC Two documentary about pangolins, the show’s future isn’t optimistic.
The source told the publication: ‘Publicly ITV maintains that no firm decision has been taken, but most execs and commissioners view it as a disaster.
‘Not only did it occupy a primetime 9pm slot, it had a big-name host and was seen as a potential rival for BBC’s The Traitors.
‘But of the five main channels on June 11, it was beaten by two and equaled by BBC2, thanks to those pangolins.’
![From Remarkable Entertainment Genius Game: on ITV1 & ITVX Pictured: DAVID TENNANT. This photograph is (C) Remarkable Entertainment and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: michael.taiwo1@itv.com](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SEI_249490878-ba30.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
How does Genius Game work?
A group of 11 contestants must work together on a series of games designed to test their intellectual and teamwork skills, following guidance from ‘The Creator’.
In his role as The Creator, David guides players as they attempt to navigate the challenges.
Each episode revolves around one key ‘Main Match’, in which all of the contestants participate in a group task. But only one winner will earn a ‘Token of Life’, which grants them immunity from elimination on that night.
The player who ends in last place in that round is forced to select another contestant to face in a head-to-head ‘Death Match’ at the finale of each episode. The loser is then eliminated from the competition.
A TV source previously claimed to the publication that while Tennant is a household name, his involvement with the show resulted in increased costs.
This in turn made the disappointing ratings more of a blow to the broadcaster.
ITV shifted The Genius Game to Wednesday slots for the latter part of its run, with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? celebrity specials taking the Thursday slot.
An ITV spokesperson told The Sun no decision has been made.
Metro contacted ITV and David Tennant for comment.
The Genius Game is available to stream on ITVX.
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