Foxtel’s new AFL reality program The Recruit has scored with viewers making it one of the highest series launches in subscription television history.
The release of timeshift viewing data shows the debut episode of The Recruit ranks among the Top 5 highest local series launches in Subscription Television history alongside drama series Wentworth, reality juggernaut The Real Housewives of Melbourne and Wife Swap Australia.
Episode one premiered on July 16 and attracted a cumulative audience of 419,000 viewers across the week, including all airings (FOX8 and its encore on FOX FOOTY) and timeshift viewing.
The Recruit is now FOX8’s most watched series year to date and leading the channel to maintain number one position on Foxtel.
Foxtel General Manager, Entertainment Channels, Brendon Moo, said: “The Recruit has really kicked a goal for our viewers and for FOX8. This outstanding performance shows our subscribers, who we know embrace AFL, have also become fans of this exciting new series.
“The Recruit is a fantastic entertainment companion to Foxtel’s ground-breaking AFL live coverage on Fox Footy. The series authentically showcases the disciplines on what it takes to become an AFL player with our winner guaranteed to win an AFL contract.”
This week’s episode, (premiering on Wednesday August 4 on Foxtel’s FOX8), sees the recruits take on some of the most elite and disciplined gymnasts before taking to the field in a brutal game of footy against a Victorian Police team. Collingwood’s Captain, Scott Pendlebury, also joins the boys for some much needed beach recovery.
The 10-part series will culminate in a live finale in which an unprecedented AFL Draft will be held, with the winner signing a contract with one AFL Club.
The Recruit is produced by McGuire Media in association with The Media Tribe exclusively for Foxtel.