ITV has cancelled "The Chase Around The World" after just one series, with insiders describing the prime-time spin-off as a "one big flop." The decision comes as the show struggled to achieve desired ratings and audience reception, leading to significant disappointment behind the scenes.
Insiders cited a lack of viewer engagement and criticism on social media, where the show was branded "boring" and "rubbish" by some fans. The format, which moved away from the traditional studio setting of "The Chase," saw contestants traveling to various cities globally to find the Chasers, with general knowledge battles determining their progression and a potential £100,000 prize. However, this departure from the established formula appears to have alienated viewers.
"The Chase is a simple quiz format that has worked incredibly well for nearly 18 years," a source commented, contrasting it with the successful spin-off "Beat The Chasers." That show, which featured all six Chasers at once and allowed for more interaction, is seen as a successful adaptation. In "The Chase Around The World," host Bradley Walsh was reportedly reduced to a voiceover role, and the Chasers, a key draw for the franchise, had diminished on-screen presence.
The final episode of "The Chase Around The World" aired on August 20 and garnered 1.2 million viewers. This figure falls short of the 1.6 million viewers who tuned into a regular "The Chase" episode earlier on the same day. The production was handled by Bright Entertainment, a label under ITV Studios.
Despite the cancellation, a spokesperson for the show indicated that discussions regarding a recommission were ongoing, noting that the series had only recently concluded its linear broadcast. "The Chase," which has been a staple for ITV for nearly 18 years, has filmed over 2,600 episodes. It was previously reported that production for the regular series would pause, with new episodes not slated for recording until 2027.
The decision to cancel the international spin-off reflects a broader sentiment that the original, studio-based quiz format of "The Chase" remains its strongest asset.