![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](http://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SEI_249490884-9569-e1746783357294.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It’s been a bad week to be a David Tennant fan, as his latest show has been branded an ‘expensive flop’ following a dramatic shake-up.
Genius Game, which made its debut on ITV last week, originally aired on Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm – it’s hosted by the 54-year-old Doctor Who star.
In the aftermath, however, it was quickly rumoured that the muted reception to the first few episodes resulted in a schedule change for it.
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 Genius Game put the show at just half the 2.2 million average for that timeslot.
Now the show has been branded an ‘expensive flop’ by industry insiders following the surprisingly low pick-up rate from ITV viewers.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: ‘Genius Game was a reflection of ITV’s rush to create the next big challenge show following the huge success of The Traitors.’
The source then claimed that, while David is a household name, costs went up as a result of his involvement with the show, which means the disappointing ratings have hit harder.
ITV has confirmed that Genius Game will air only on Wednesdays over the next seven weeks, with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? celebrity specials taking the Thursday, May 8 slot.
![STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL THE 14TH OF APRIL 2025 From Remarkable Entertainment Genius Game SR1 ep2 : on ITV1 & ITVX Pictured: Alison, Amanfi, Ken, Ben, Charlotte, Indie, Kishan, Bhasha, Scott 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](http://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SEI_249525174-c2eb.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
![STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL THE 14TH OF APRIL 2025 From Remarkable Entertainment Genius Game SR1 ep2 : on ITV1 & ITVX Pictured: Indie & Ben 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](http://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SEI_249525185-529e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
When approached by Metro for comment, however, an ITV spokesperson played down the reports that low viewership had influenced the change.
‘Genius Game remains in the peak schedule on ITV1 at 9pm on Wednesdays and is available to view on ITVX,’ they said.
A spokesperson also stressed that views had since been added thanks to repeat broadcasts and on-demand streams on ITVX.
The news of Genius Game falling below expectations was met with exasperation from David Tennant fans who don’t want to see the show fail.
‘Literally the worst day ever,’ wrote Ed on X while @WhoPotterVian added, ‘It’s a shame because it has a great presenter.’
‘Ooh no, I thought it might be a grower,’ wrote Ali Green. ‘I’m really enjoying it and thought the 2nd episode was better than the 1st.’
Genius Game was described as a ‘brand-new reality game show’ that challenges 11 players – each of whom was selected for strategic thinking, social abilities, and intelligence – to solve fiendishly difficult challenges.
David serves as the players’ guide, helping them with the puzzles and games.
Unfortunately, the show has been met with mixed reviews so far.
A lot of viewers have complained that the game, which is based on a popular Korean format, is too complicated and difficult to understand.
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.
‘I have no clue what is going on,’ wrote Liam on X. While @PollyCracker92 joked, ‘I thought us thick people could just enjoy watching the nerds, I never realised we had to BE a genius to enjoy the show.’
Still, the series does have its defenders, several of whom are annoyed at their fellow viewers for not ‘getting’ the rules.
‘I’m so upset cause no one is understanding how good it is,’ complained Lishalee on X.
‘The British public are basically just exposing how stupid they are with this show,’ added @Ralts_svt. ‘C’mon guys, it’s not that complicated to understand.’
Stephanie Sue had perhaps the most excoriating comment, however.
‘The British public not being able to comprehend the rules of the first genius game helps explain to me why their version of Big Brother isn’t strategy/manipulation based,’ she wrote on X. ‘They just aren’t meant to consume this type of content, no shade.’
Some fans were also disappointed when they realised that David wasn’t actually hosting the show in person.
‘Wouldn’t it be better if David Tennant was in the studio presenting?’ asked Dave Lovering.
Genius Game airs Wednesdays at 9pm on ITV1.
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