ITV's new gameshow The Neighbourhood, hosted by Graham Norton, has suffered a significant setback after being removed from its primetime slot due to declining viewership. The reality series, which premiered at the end of April, follows real-life households who move next door to each other and compete in various challenges, such as hunting garden gnomes and being strapped to a washing line. Through alliances, betrayals, and classic reality TV twists, one household ultimately wins a cash prize of £250,000.
Early Struggles and Plummeting Ratings
The show got off to a rocky start, with early reactions labeling it 'dreadful' and full of 'drivel'. This was reflected in poor viewership figures: around 540,000 viewers tuned in for the second episode, a far cry from ITV's expectations. By the third episode, ratings had dwindled to just half a million, performing worse than every episode of Celebrity Big Brother that aired in the same time slot in 2025.
Unprecedented Move to Streaming
Originally occupying the primetime 9pm slot on Thursday and Friday nights with weekly releases, the show's schedule has now been drastically altered. In an unprecedented move for linear reality TV, ITV uploaded the entire series to ITVX last week. Additionally, the show has been moved from its prime Friday slot to a daily 10:45pm time slot (or 10pm on weekends) until the series concludes. In its place on Thursday and Friday, ITV will air repeats of Long Lost Family and Beat the Chasers, respectively.
ITV's Statement
An ITV spokesperson commented: 'The full box set of The Neighbourhood is now available to stream on ITVX. Additionally, the show will continue to air in an evening slot on ITV.'
Expert Analysis: What Went Wrong?
Media experts have weighed in on the show's failure. James Buckley-Thorp, reality star on The Inheritance, noted: 'I'm 37, I remember when you'd hear that X, Y, Z is going to host – like Big Brother with Davina McCall – like “I'll give that a go, because I like her.” It doesn't seem to be working in the same way. Celebrity-ism has become so wide now, and there are so many different niches, it's very hard to find that one celebrity that will please the entire family.'
Talent manager Alex Segel added: 'Before social media, there were really only TV stars or film stars. Now there are many more. So everyone has a different version of who they consider famous in their life. Before creators became a thing, and there weren't other people to watch, you would all have to watch Graham Norton.'
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media. Cameron Attridge wrote on X: 'TV are allowing The Neighbourhood to die a slow death before it's inevitable cancellation.' Soph shared: 'After watching two I clocked out.' Matthew Purchase argued: 'ITV spent a lot on marketing this series. Something has gone terribly wrong here to pull it. There's such a clamour to make the next Traitors, they can't come close.' However, some defended the show. Rhys wrote: 'I finished this show the other night and it's actually a really good show!!' MrTardis reflected: 'Tough break for ITV as I know they bet the farm on this.'
What's Next?
The show's fate regarding a second season remains undecided. The Neighbourhood airs tomorrow at 10:45pm, and the full series is available to stream on ITVX.
