ITV has reportedly ended its travel-based spin-off, The Chase Around The World, following its debut season. The experimental format failed to attract the same audience numbers as the flagship studio quiz show, leading to its swift cancellation.
The 400,000-viewer deficit in the August 20 broadcast
The viewership numbers for the spin-off's final episode suggest a clear disconnect with the audience. On August 20, the sixth and final episode of The Chase Around The World pulled in just 1.2 million viewers during the 9 pm prime-time slot.. in contrast, an episode of the regular series aired earlier that same day averaged 1.6 million viewers.
This decline in interest occurred despite the high stakes of the competition, which offered surviving contestants the chance to win £100,000. The drop in engagement suggests that the move from a controlled studio environment to a global scavenger hunt may have alienated the core demographic that enjoys the traditional format.
A "boring" departure from the studio-based formula
Produced by Bright Entertainment, the spin-off attempted to transform the quiz into an adventure series. However, the move was met with significant backlash from viewers who took to social media to label the show "boring" and "rubbish." According to the Daily Mail, the format failed because it sidelined the core appeal of the franchise: the Chasers.
While fans adore Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha,and Jenny Ryan, the travel format reportedly reduced host Bradley Walsh to a mere voiceover role and left the Chasers with minimal screen time. The Daily Mail noted that unlike the successful Beat The Chasers spin-off—which thrived on the banter between contestants and all six Chasers—this new version lacked the necessary energy and personality.
Protecting a franchise with 2,600 existing episodes
The decision to move away from the studio is a risky one for a brand that has dominated tea-time television for nearly 18 years. The original The Chase has built a massive following through more than 2,600 filmed episodes. By moving the action to various global cities, the producers may have inadvertently stripped away the "cosy" atmosphere that has defined the show for nearly two decades.
The stability of the original format is what has allowed the show to spawn various celebrity specials and prime-time iterations. As the network evaluates its spin-off failures, it must also navigate the schedule of the flagship show, which saw production cease earlier this year with no new episodes slated to be recorded until 2027 .
The clash between Daily Mail reports and ITV's official line
Uncertainty remains over whether the travel format will truly be abandoned. The Daily Mail has reported that ITV executives feel "red-faced" and have already decided there will not be a second series. This leaves a significant question: is the cancellation a definitive move, or is the network attempting to manage a public relations bruise?
The official response from the network offers a more cautious perspective. A spokesperson for the show stated that because the linear broadcast only finished two weeks ago, "discussions are naturally still ongoing about a recommission at this time." This discrepancy leaves fans wondering if the reported "flop" is truly final or if ITV is simply waiting for the dust to settle before making a formal announcement.
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