Sky Max Cancels Comedy Duo's Show After Disappointing Ratings

Nish Kumar and Josh Widdicombe's comedy documentary series, "Hold The Front Page," has been axed by Sky Max after just two seasons due to low ratings. The show, which followed the duo as they explored local journalism across the UK, failed to capture a significant audience, leading to its cancellation.

Key Takeaways

• Hold The Front Page" featured Kumar and Widdicombe visiting various local newspapers.

• The show received mixed reviews, averaging a 5.8/10 rating on IMDb.

• This cancellation follows Kumar's previous show, "The Mash Report," being axed by the BBC in 2021.

Overview Of The Show

"Hold The Front Page" aimed to provide a humorous look at the challenges faced by local journalists. The series took viewers on a journey through different regions, including Blackpool, Bradford, and the Isle of Wight, where the comedians engaged with local news stories and the communities behind them.

During their travels, Kumar and Widdicombe reported on a variety of quirky topics, from a church of wrestling to local culinary delights. Despite the comedic premise, the show struggled to resonate with audiences, leading to its early demise.

Audience Reception

The reception for "Hold The Front Page" was mixed, with many viewers expressing disappointment. Some common themes in the feedback included:

• Scripted Feel: Critics noted that the show felt overly scripted, detracting from its authenticity.

• Chemistry Between Hosts: While some praised the chemistry between Kumar and Widdicombe, others felt it was overshadowed by a lack of engaging content.

• Viewer Ratings: The show garnered an average IMDb rating of 5.8, indicating a lukewarm response from the audience.

The Irony Of Cancellation

The cancellation of "Hold The Front Page" is particularly ironic given Kumar's background in satirical comedy, where he often critiques the media. A source close to the production noted that the experience of working in local journalism provided Kumar with a new perspective on the challenges faced by reporters, highlighting the tough realities of the profession.

Future Prospects

This cancellation marks another setback for Kumar, who previously faced criticism when the BBC decided to end "The Mash Report," a show that had garnered a loyal following since its debut in 2017. The BBC cited the need to make room for new comedy shows as the reason for its cancellation, despite the show's popularity.

As both comedians look to the future, it remains to be seen what new projects they will undertake. Fans of Kumar and Widdicombe will undoubtedly hope for a return to form in their next ventures, whether in television or other media.

In conclusion, while "Hold The Front Page" aimed to blend comedy with journalism, its failure to attract a substantial audience has led to its cancellation, leaving fans disappointed and the duo seeking new opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of television comedy.

Sources

• Comedy duo receive blow after their major Sky documentary series is axed after just two series, Daily Mail.

• Comedy duo's huge Sky show is axed following ratings flop, The Sun.