Hidden Extras
Few Americans see Gervais's new show
The American debut of Ricky Gervais’s Extras has attracted poor viewing figures.
Barely a million viewers tuned in to the opening episode on upmarket cable channel HBO at 10.30pm last Sunday.
The disappointing figures – representing one third of one per cent of the American population - come despite mostly positive reviews for the series, which kicked off with the episode guest starring Kate Winslet.
Its ratings also suffered by following Curb Your Enthusiasm, which also recorded a weak performance.
The opening episode in the fifth season of Larry David’s comedy was seen by just 1.5 million viewers – less than half the number who tuned into the series four debut.
That episode benefited from following Sex And The City in its final season.
Again, the viewing figures fly in the face of critical acclaim for the show.
The Hollywood Reporter said Curb ‘kicks off season five looking far fresher and more clever than it did in its disappointing fourth season capper some 18 months ago’.Published: 3 Oct 2005
