Graham Norton's ITV series The Neighbourhood has been removed from its primetime slot less than two weeks after its debut, a decision that underscores the show's underwhelming performance in the ratings. The 63-year-old presenter fronts this new game show format, where real-life households compete in a purpose-built neighbourhood for a chance to win a £250,000 cash prize.
High Hopes, Low Viewership
The series premiered on April 24, sandwiched between both segments of the explosive I'm A Celebrity...South Africa final, and aired at 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Despite this strategic placement, it managed to attract only half a million viewers. New schedules now reveal that the programme will shift to a 10.45pm slot, effectively moving it away from the coveted primetime period and signalling that it failed to meet expectations.
This Thursday, viewers tuning in at 9pm will instead see a repeat of Davina McCall's Long Lost Family, while Friday will feature an episode of Beat The Chasers: Celebrity Special, originally broadcast in 2021. An ITV spokesperson confirmed the schedule change, stating, '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.'
Behind the Scenes
Sources indicate that while the broadcaster invested heavily in the programme, it ultimately failed to resonate with audiences. An insider told The Sun: 'They threw everything at The Neighbourhood to make it a big success, but it's ended up a bit of a damp squib.' The six competing households are The Bradons, The Kandolas & Samra, The Lozman-Sturrocks, The Pescuds, The Scouse Haus, and The Uni Boys. Challenges push neighbours to their limits as they try to eliminate each other without becoming unpopular enough to be evicted themselves.
Graham Norton himself expressed awe at the scale of the set, located in Derbyshire. He remarked: 'Arriving in Derbyshire and seeing the set, I'd seen pictures but I didn't quite understand the scale of it. It really is like being on a movie set, except it's 360 - everywhere you look, it's real.' He praised the art department for building the town square, pub, cafe, and house interiors, adding, 'It really took my breath away!'
The BAFTA-winning broadcaster also highlighted the heartwarming aspects of the show: 'One of the loveliest things about the show is seeing households who would never meet in real life, not only meeting but forming proper bonds of friendship. There are a few moments in the show that really do bring a tear to my eye because it's just so genuine, so lovely and properly heartwarming.'
The Neighbourhood is available to stream on ITVX. Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads.
