Will The Block kick off Nine’s new ratings year?
With no reports for a new property, time is ticking away if Nine's reno series will kick off its 2016 ratings year.
- Published by David Knox
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The Block returns to screens next month for its 11th season, set in a former hotel in South Yarra.
The show, which first began in 2003, is one of Australia’s longest running Reality shows.
But as September draws ever closer, time is ticking away for the the show to secure its next property if it plans to have a series on air at the start of 2016.
The lead-in time to produce a season is significant. The Triple Threat property in Darling Street South Yarra, screened in January this year, was reported in media in June 2014. The Albert Park property, which kicked off the 2014 ratings year as Fans vs Faves, was already being refitted for contestants in August 2013.
Filming for the summer series normally begins in October following months of planning.
Block executive producer Julian Cress, who is understood to be overseas, recently told TV Tonight, the Nine show was on the hunt for a beach house.
“We have been looking at some properties down on the Mornington Peninsula,” he said.
“Unfortunately somebody else bought it, but that doesn’t stop us looking again. It’s a great area. It’s where Melbourne goes to holiday. If you can afford it it’s really aspirational.”
Julian Cress and David Barbour also have completed a pilot for a dating show which has attracted some buzz, but is yet to be greenlit by the network. Could it be brought in to play if The Block runs later in the year?
For now all eyes are on the South Yarra tower at the centre of the next season. It offers spectacular 360 views for the lucky purchasers and presumably another roller-coaster ride for its 5 renovation teams.
11 Responses
Can’t wait for this season. I love the block and I will never get tired of it,
in the last 3 years, 9 has had seasons starting in April, May, July respectively. this year the 2nd season starts in September. so it would make sense that they wouldn’t start a new season at the start of 2016. especially given the fatigue seem in ratings. I would push the 2016 season right back to mid-year, taking a lengthy break has worked in the past for masterchef and DWTS.
It needs to be rested to avoid fatigue.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re holding off with the plans of just having 1 season next year. Like other commentors have said, we might be heading towards viewer fatigue. (not with me, the Block is my fav!)
How about they make over a state prison and do something really worthwhile for humanity.
Have a feeling this season of The Block may tank.
Viewer fatigue regarding Reno type shows has well and truly set in by now.
Interest in yet another series of The Block is likely to have waned considerably.
I think that Nine could air this series in the start of February following the conclusion of the summer of cricket.
I’m not sure you’ve read the article. Still possible, but time is running out to begin filming by October.
There are some nice beach houses in Qld & WA ( hint hint)
I hope they can’t find a property so they don’t have a show.
The block will air late next year.