ITV reality show cancelled after just one series following dismal ratings
ITV has called time on a reality series after just one season after it failed to perform in the ratings and received a mixed response from viewers who branded it 'pointless'
ITV's quirky reality TV show that was introduced to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws has been axed after just one season.
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters has not stood the test of time, unlike the movie it was inspired by according to reports. The show aired back in July and saw big name stars including McFly's Dougie Poynter, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, and Call the Midwife actress Helen George.
The star-studded cast all headed to the Bahamas where they were introduced to the shark infested waters and challenged to join them in the water. The idea was to help them overcome any fears and preconceived ideas they had about the sea-dwelling creatures.
A TV insider told The Sun: “The show wasn’t cheap to make given the amount of celebrities involved and the fact that they were all flown out to the Caribbean. A second series might have been a possibility if the ratings made it worthwhile, but another outing couldn’t be justified on that basis.”
The show aired in three parts with the debut instalment starring just Ross Noble and Lucy Punch bringing in 1.5million viewers. The production was linked to the summer 1975 release of Steven Spielberg‘s cult classic movie Jaws.]
The film created a taboo around sharks for decades to follow with the reality series hoping to change views it had perpetuated. As the series progressed viewing figures dropped to around 1.25million and reviews were very mixed.
A source confirmed to the Mirror that there are no plans for a second series: "The intention with this series was always to make a splash, raise awareness of shark conservation and change people's perception of these majestic creatures and we're proud we achieved that".
They also revealed that the series has been picked up for broadcast in Australia. Despite the mixed reception one shocking moment that created excitement saw comedian Ross Noble, 49, be bitten by a shark during filming. At the time he calmly said, “A shark just bit me.”
However, viewers found it hard to get on board with the concept and slammed the series for being "pointless" after it's debut episode. One wrote on X: “Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is single proof that television is at an all time pointless low.”
A second said: “Ok I get it, they’re huge with razor sharp teeth but why is they’re always that one f*****g celebrity that cry’s/shakes/ terrified. They’re not going to let you die, ( saying that i wouldn’t do it) #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters.”
A third shared: “So... I probably won’t recognise any celebrities, the sharks will find them tasteless. And none of them are gonna be eaten. #pointless New TV series tonight.”
However, not everyone gave negative input as one fan posted: “This new show is very eye opening and I have already learnt a lot about sharks on the first episode.” A second commented: “Celeb Shark Infested Water is nay too shabby TV tbf.”
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is streaming now on ITVX.
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