The Block is potentially looking at some major changes next year following complaints from viewers and declining ratings.
According to sources close to production, Channel Nine may change the show’s production company after the 20th season airs next year to freshen things up.
‘The Block could crumble if [producers] and the team behind the show don’t make some major changes,’ the source said.
One source of tension has been the drama between villains Brett and Kristy, and their rivals Leah and Ash, with the feud taking over the entire season.
‘I don’t think they quite expected as much conflict as they got but they did cast competitive women, around the same age, who have a lack of self awareness and would not hold back on opinions,’ the source explained.
The Block is potentially looking at some major changes next year following complaints from viewers and declining ratings
One source of tension this season has been the drama caused by villains Brett and Kristy
‘This made an explosive season,’ they added, before claiming that the drama had been ‘toned down’ for television due to how heated it got on set.
‘They escalated [Kristy and Brett] to being the series villains and watered down the others so audiences don’t get confused on who is good and who is bad.’
Despite the backlash from viewers, the source said that producers weren’t surprised by what went down.
‘These women are just behaving as usual. They are doing exactly what they were cast to do and that really isn’t their fault. If you put all the ingredients into the mix you can hardly get mad when the cake rises,’ they said.
‘Channel Nine would be stupid to pull the show but maybe it is time it gets some fresh eyes on it,’ they added.
When contacted for comment, a Channel Nine rep dismissed the claims and insisted that there are ‘no changes to the production company’.
‘Channel Nine would be stupid to pull the show but maybe it is time it gets some fresh eyes on it,’ a source said
The Block has been produced by creator Julian Cress (pictured) for almost 20 years
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been inundated with complaints about the current season of The Block.
In just one week, ACMA registered a total of 28 complaints – the most they’ve ever received for the renovation series.
A spokesperson from ACMA told The Australian: ‘The majority of the inquiries related to allegations of bullying, harassment and promotion of anti-social behaviour between contestants.’
This comes in the wake of many articles and discussions regarding the heightened drama between contestants during this season.
Producers look eager to intensify this drama, especially considering that the homes featured in this season were smaller compared to those in the 2022 season.
Josh and Luke Packham were cast as the villains on season 17 in 2021
Last year, Ankur Dogra and Sharon Johal got the villain edit during season 18
With the exception of occasional competition from Seven’s MKR, this strategy has translated into higher ratings for Nine.
Although this season has dropped a dramatic 20 per cent from last year, it’s still one of the highest-rated programs on air right now.
Michael Healy, Nine’s Director of Television, has been unapologetic about the approach, saying that the numbers speak for themselves.
‘The Block is an unrivalled powerhouse on Australian television. The fact that more than 40% of the country has tuned into this series is a phenomenal achievement.
‘We never take the loyalty of our viewers for granted and look forward to delivering a cracking crescendo to the current season, before an unprecedented 20th series in 2024.’
READ MORE: The Block cast furious about their ‘devastating’ on-screen edits as insider reveals ‘all out war is brewing’ between contestants
