Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of racing and television ratings!
The Race that Captivated the Nation
Half Yours' victory at Flemington drew an impressive 2.08 million viewers, making it a huge success for Nine and the Melbourne Cup. This number is even more impressive when considering the changes in rating calculations since 2024, which now include live and catch-up BVOD, as well as regional and metro figures.
A Decade-Long Trend?
Some media outlets might call this the biggest race in a decade, but let's dig deeper. While the 2025 ratings are higher than the previous year, they don't quite match the numbers from a few years back. In fact, the 2025 ratings are still lower than the 2013 and 2014 figures. So, is this truly a decade-long trend, or just a blip on the radar?
And Here's Where it Gets Controversial...
The ratings for other shows on Nine's lineup are a bit of a mystery. Despite having the lead-in from the Cup, shows like Taronga: Who's Who in the Zoo? and I Was Actually There didn't seem to gain much traction. This raises the question: Did the Cup's timing affect the viewing habits of the audience, or were these shows simply not as engaging as expected?
The Entertainment Lineup
My Kitchen Rules topped the entertainment category with 1.05 million viewers, followed by some interesting shows. The Rookie led the later lineup, with The Cheap Seats and End Game attracting smaller but dedicated audiences. It's worth noting that Love Island outranked Bump on the main channel, which might spark some debate among viewers.
Seven's Easy Win
Despite the afternoon crowd, Seven had an easy win in primetime. Their news programs and popular shows like Home & Away and The Chase drew a loyal audience. Ron Iddles: The Good Cop, while not as widely watched, still managed to capture the attention of a dedicated fan base.
Nine's News and Current Affairs
Nine's News and Current Affairs lineup dominated with 1.37 million viewers for the news, followed by A Current Affair and Tipping Point. Their late-night news also performed well. It's interesting to note that Love Island, a reality show, outperformed Bump on the main channel, which might suggest a shift in viewer preferences.
ABC and Ten's Lineup
ABC News scored 759,000 viewers, with Hard Quiz and QI following suit. Ten's news drew 343,000 viewers, with Deal or No Deal and Ghosts Australia also making an appearance. SBS shows, including Great British Railway Journeys and Mastermind, had a more modest viewership.
And This is the Part Most People Miss...
The morning shows, such as Sunrise, Today, and News Breakfast, also had their dedicated audiences, with Sunrise leading the pack. These shows often fly under the radar when discussing ratings, but they play a crucial role in setting the tone for the day's programming.
National Total TV: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
This post provides a snapshot of the ratings for that day, with a focus on the Melbourne Cup and its impact on the overall viewership. It's a fascinating look at how a single event can influence the entire television landscape.
Thoughts and Opinions?
What do you think about these ratings? Are you surprised by any of the show's performances? Do you agree with the potential shift in viewer preferences suggested by the data? Feel free to share your thoughts and join the discussion!
