Official: Battle of the Blades Renewed

CBC Television announced today that its hit series BATTLE OF THE BLADES, featuring world-class figure skaters and former NHL’ers, will return next fall for a second season. The 14-episode series sold out to live audiences every week, and wrapped up on Monday, Nov. 16 with an unconfirmed television audience of 1.736 million tuning in for the one-hour results finale.

 

Overall viewership has been tremendous, with an average of 1.749 million viewers 2+ watching the seven performance shows on Sunday evenings, and 1.332 million Canadians 2+ tuning in for the Monday night results shows. Combined, BATTLE OF THE BLADES reached one out of three Canadians with a total unduplicated reach of over 10 million.

 

“We could not be happier with the audience and advertising response to this truly Canadian series,” said Kirstine Stewart, general manager, CBC Television. “CBC continues to generate successful and relevant top-tier programming and the return of Battle of the Blades is another welcome addition to our star-studded lineup.”

 

The program’s unique format and mass appeal provided an ideal platform for advertisers. Season one sponsors DanActive, ARTISTRY Brands, McDonald’s and Kruger Products showcased their brands to millions of Canadians through innovative program integrations and sponsorship opportunities, including: co-branded vignettes; the DanActive Warm-up Zone; the ARTISTRY Style Studio; and signage and product sampling at the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens. Season two of BATTLE OF THE BLADES will provide even more customized opportunities for advertisers to connect with Canadians.

 

The overwhelming response to the show concept has led Insight Productions to look at expanding the franchise globally.

 

“We are thrilled that Battle of the Blades has captured such a wide and diverse male and female viewing audience,” said John Brunton, president & executive producer, Insight Productions. “It has tremendous international potential as a big name sports and entertainment brand, and we look forward to growing this franchise significantly over the coming years.”

 

Viewers can learn more about the competitors at www.cbc.ca/battle, the official online portal for the series and the source for everything about BATTLE OF THE BLADES. In addition to videos and behind-the-scene photos, the site offers viewers the opportunity to become fans of their favourite pair and track each participant’s activity as they strive to be the final pair remaining at the end of the series.

BATTLE OF THE BLADES is the brainchild of Kevin Albrecht with development by Sandra Bezic. BATTLE OF THE BLADES executive producers are John Brunton, Barbara Bowlby and Kevin Albrecht. It is produced by Insight Productions in association with CBC Television.

VERSUS Ratings This Season Continue to Fluctuate

VERSUS’ broadcast of Pittsburgh-Boston drew 408,000 viewers last Tuesday, the network’s fourth highest-rated NHL broadcast of the season.  Monday night’s Los Angeles-Chicago telecast drew only 197,000 viewers, the channel’s third-lowest of the year.  Chicago has now been featured in VERSUS’ three lowest-rated games of the season.

Thanks to John Ourand for these numbers.  Unavailable are the numbers for the October Minnesota-Chicago game, if anyone can help us out, send an e-mail my way:

1. Washington vs. Boston (10/1/09)  501,000 viewers

2. Philadelphia vs. Washington (10/27/09)  477,000 viewers

3. Detroit vs. Buffalo (10/13/09)  467,000 viewers

4. Pittsburgh vs. Boston (11/9/09) 408,000 viewers

5. Washington vs. Philadelphia (10/6/09) 405,000 viewers

6. San Jose vs. Colorado (10/1/09) 332,000 viewers

7. St. Louis vs. Detroit (10/2/09) 278,000 viewers

8. NY Rangers vs. New Jersey (10/5/09) 269,000 viewers

9. Los Angeles vs. Chicago (10/10/09) 197,000 viewers

10. Calgary vs. Chicago (10/12/09) 177,000 viewers

11. Florida vs. Chicago (10/2/09) 100,000 viewers

NOTE: Off Day

I have a job interview (New Meadowlands Stadium, basically applying for the same job I have at the old one) and a huge paper to finish (10-minute speech on pre-production) so I’m taking the day off.  We might do something after 7PM, when we’re no longer busy.

Here’s your 90’s Wednesday, thanks for understanding.  Maybe submit some mailbag Tuesday questions.