Australian reality TV series
Blow Up is an Australian reality television show based on a Dutch format, in which ten artists compete to create the best balloon artworks for a $100,000 prize. It is hosted by Stephen Curry and Becky Lucas and judged by professional balloon artist Chris Adamo. The series premiered on 15 May 2023 on the Seven Network.
The programme is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and was first announced in August 2022. It commenced filming in the same month in Melbourne, and was officially confirmed at Seven's 2023 upfronts in October 2022.
After the first two episodes drew disappointing ratings, the series was moved to 7flix from its third episode.
Reception.
Viewership.
Although highly advertised for weeks, the series debuted to 288,000 viewers, coming third in its timeslot behind "MasterChef Australia" and "The Summit", respectively, and ranking 19th for the night. The second episode fared no better, with only 224,000 viewers, losing more than 40,000 from its debut and coming fifth in its timeslot, and ranking below the top 20 programs of the night. After the series was moved to 7flix, the third episode drew 30,000 viewers. The final episode drew just 16,000 viewers.
Critical.
The show has been unfavourably compared to the similar television show "Lego Masters" (also produced by Endermol Shine and airing on the rival Nine Network), which had concluded its fifth season just a week before the premiere of "Blow Up". Hamish Blake, the host of "Lego Masters" also poked fun at the premise of the show, stating in an episode of "Lego Masters" that "Balloons are good for a part of one episode of a show. No, I don’t think there’s a series in them."
References.
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