The topic is number one, but the viewership rating is 'messy'... The irony of tvN, 'entertainment restaurant'

<<Yeji Ryu's Foresight>>

Reporter Ryu Ye-ji and TenAsia sees the future of the entertainment industry and its impact.

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The newly launched tvN variety show '290 Million: Marriage War' faced an ironic situation. The topic is high, but the ratings are low.

On the 2nd, the pre-marriage survival entertainment show '290 Million' opened its curtains. '290 Million' is a real couple survival on an overwhelming scale that shows the process of 10 couples with various stories proving each other's trust and love and running toward the finish line of marriage. The winning prize is 290 million won.

In the meantime, the reaction of '290 million' was HOT. From the release of the teaser before the first broadcast, it decorated the main entertainment section of the portal site and steadily became an article. Articles about the cast also continued to rank in the TOP10, showing the potential for high ratings.

In the first episode, which was finally released, the ten couples were introduced. At the same time, the real journey began. The first mission was 'the entrance of the bride and groom'. The prospective couples in tuxedos and wedding dresses competed in a 500m run on the tidal flats. As a result, the bottom 3 teams were in danger of being eliminated. Of these, only one couple has a chance to survive.

But when I opened the lid, the results were disastrous. The first broadcast rating of '290 million' was 1.8%. Even after receiving the primetime program at 7:45 pm on Sunday, it did not exceed 2%.

Even compared to other Sunday entertainment programs that aired on the same day and at similar times, the ratings are low. JTBC's 'Come Together and Kick 2' scored 4.0%, MBC's 'Around the World While Born 2' scored 5.5%, KBS2's 'Walk Into the Wonderland' scored 2.4%, and SBS' My Little Old Boy recorded 10.7%.

It is a disappointing result even when looking at the results of the same tvN variety show, not a third party. 'Busan Villager in Sydney', which airs on Monday night, is also recording a low 2% rating. 'You Quiz on the Block', which has become tvN's flagship program, boasts high viewer ratings befitting its high topic. From the late 5% range to the 6% range.

'Outside the Tent, Europe, Norway', which is being broadcast on Thursday, is also a filial product. It is steadily coming out in the 4% to 5% range. 'Dance Singer's Wandering Troupe', which is broadcasted one after another, is recording 3% to 4% despite various controversies.

Considering that '290 Million' swept the topic even before the first broadcast, the 1% viewership rating is not enough. The audience itself is also in a variety of situations. Everyone from people in their 20s and 30s who are about to get married to their parents' generation can watch it, but tvN must be deeply troubled because there are no results.

As the number of ways to watch programs has diversified, it is not possible to evaluate the value and popularity of broadcasting only with viewership ratings. However, it is regrettable that it has not secured a fixed audience despite the fact that it has already gained public recognition and started broadcasting.

In order for tvN to continue its reputation as a 'entertainment restaurant', it needs a strategy to break through the 1% viewer ratings. A new homework was given to tvN as to how high topicality and viewership ratings are directly connected.

Reporter Ryu Ye-ji and Ten Asia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr