Network reportedly disappointed with ratings

Michael McIntyre’s quiz show The Wheel has been axed in the States after just one series.

The comic fronted a run of the game show – which he also devised – for the NBC network over Christmas. Ten episodes ran over two weeks, with overnight audiences peaking at 2.2million, about average or just below for its timeslot. 

It’s been reported that executives were disappointed with that performance, with guest stars including  Christina Ricci, Tony Hawk, and Bruno Tonioli failing to capture big audiences.

The show has so far run for three primetime BBC One series in the UK, with the last batch of episodes launching with an audience of 3.1million, It has been remade for seven other markets including Spain, Germany and the Arab world. 

McIntyre, who was also an executive producer on the US series, originally created the format during the pandemic, with the celebrities seated far enough apart to comply with social distancing.

News of NBC’s decision – which will be a blow to McIntyre’s hopes to make it in the US – was reported by trade website Broadcast.

Published: 21 Jun 2023