Could This Terrible TV Show Have Ruined My Channel?

The reboot of The X-Files has been described as a costly venture for Channel 5, with the broadcaster's chief content officer, Ben Frow, admitting it "almost broke" the network. At the Edinburgh TV Festival, Frow shared candid insights about the revival and other series, highlighting the challenges faced by Channel 5 in its recent programming efforts.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Ben Frow's Insights

• The X-Files revival drew in over 5 million viewers, making it a record-breaking launch for Channel 5.
• Frow described the series as a “rubbish mega series” that financially strained the network.
• Two recent reboots, Faking It and Challenge Anneka, were labelled as disasters by Frow.
• The television landscape has significantly changed since the original airing of The X-Files.
• Frow expressed concerns regarding audience engagement with contemporary programming.

The Impact of The X-Files Reboot

When Channel 5 revived The X-Files in 2016, anticipation soared, leading to an impressive turnout of over 5 million viewers for its premiere. This marked a significant achievement for the channel, as it became the highest-rated drama launch in Channel 5’s history, surpassing even the popularity of Celebrity Big Brother, which had previously set the benchmark in 2011.

However, despite the initial success, Frow's remarks reveal a troubling undercurrent. While the revival attracted viewers, it also came with substantial financial implications. Frow, in his candid conversation at the Edinburgh TV Festival, stated, “We put a lot of money into that – it almost broke us.” The implication here is clear: high viewer numbers do not always translate into financial viability for broadcasters.

Ben Frow's Candid Critique

Frow's criticisms extended beyond just The X-Files. He described the reboot of Faking It, a show that saw participants attempting to convincingly adopt new skills, as a “disaster” despite its high production value. This suggests that even well-made shows can fail to resonate with today's audiences. Frow's reflection on the changing nature of viewership highlights a critical point: audiences today may not engage with programmes in the same way as they did in the past.

“In the New World Order, you don’t have to watch a show to get what the show is,” Frow commented, indicating a shift in how content is consumed. The rise of social media and digital platforms has altered the way viewers interact with television, leading to a potential disconnect between the content produced and audience expectations.

The Flops: Faking It and Challenge Anneka

Frow's remarks about the reboots of Faking It and Challenge Anneka illustrate the precarious nature of reviving nostalgic programmes. Faking It, which originally aired in the noughties, was reintroduced to a modern audience but failed to capture the same magic. Frow admitted to being “stunned” by its poor reception, pointing to the evolution of societal contexts and the implications of branding, particularly in light of the term “fake news.”

Meanwhile, Challenge Anneka, which originally aired from 1989 to 1995, faced a similar fate. Frow noted that he had an inkling of its impending failure even before it aired, stating, “We realised about two weeks before we put it out, ‘Hang on a minute. This is just a big makeover show.’” This reflection suggests that the format, once innovative, may have become stale in an era flooded with home renovation shows.

The Evolution of Television Programming

The television industry has undergone significant transformations since The X-Files first debuted. With the advent of streaming services, viewers now have an array of choices at their fingertips. This change has created a competitive landscape where programme formats must continually evolve to capture and retain viewer interest.

Frow’s comments hint at a larger trend where nostalgia-driven reboots may not always resonate with contemporary audiences. The cultural context surrounding a show's original airing plays a crucial role in its reception upon revival. As television continues to adapt, understanding audience preferences and societal changes will be essential for broadcasters looking to thrive.

What Lies Ahead for Channel 5?

Looking forward, Channel 5 faces a challenging landscape. Frow's admission that the first half of 2025 was “grim” for the network indicates that it may need to reassess its programming strategy. The lessons learned from the failures of The X-Files reboot and other series could serve as a guiding light for future projects.

As Frow navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how Channel 5 will adapt its offerings to better align with audience expectations. The balance between nostalgia and innovation will be critical in shaping the future of television programming on the channel.

Conclusion

As the television industry continues to evolve, the experiences shared by Ben Frow at the Edinburgh TV Festival underscore the importance of understanding viewer dynamics and cultural shifts. The journey of The X-Files and the subsequent reboots serve as valuable case studies for broadcasters aiming to engage modern audiences effectively. The challenge now lies in finding new ways to captivate viewers in an increasingly digital world. Will Channel 5 manage to turn its fortunes around by embracing innovative content strategies? Only time will tell.

FAQs

What was the viewer count for The X-Files reboot on Channel 5?

The X-Files reboot drew in over 5 million viewers upon its premiere, making it the highest-rated drama launch in Channel 5's history.

Why did Ben Frow describe The X-Files as a "rubbish mega series"?

Frow labelled The X-Files as a "rubbish mega series" due to the immense financial investment made by Channel 5, which he stated "almost broke" the network.

What were the issues with the reboots of Faking It and Challenge Anneka?

Both reboots were described as disasters by Frow, who highlighted a disconnect between the shows' concepts and modern audience expectations, leading to poor reception.

How has the audience's viewing habits changed since the original airing of The X-Files?

Viewers today may not need to watch shows in real-time to engage with them, as social media and digital platforms have transformed how content is consumed.

What does the future hold for Channel 5?

Channel 5 faces challenges in adapting its programming strategy to better align with modern audience preferences and the evolving television landscape.