‘Masked Singer’ marks triumphant return to Fox

The Masked Singer S2

Fox’s The Masked Singer has enjoyed a triumphant return to air, pulling in strong ratings for the US broadcaster. 

The hit talent show enjoyed an expanded two-hour season two premiere from 8-10pm on Wednesday (25 September), capturing 7.9m total viewers and an impressive 2.5 ratings in the coveted 18-49 demo. The show launched during what has been a hectic premiere week for the likes of ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS, who are all rolling out their wares for the new TV season, alongside cable channels.

While the format was down 13% from its series debut in a 9pm slot in January (8.2m), it was still the highest rated programme of premiere week for 18-49s, besting NBC’s drama juggernaut This Is Us (1.8) by 39%.

The show is Fox’s highest rated unscripted autumn launch since The X Factor in 2013.

The Masked Singer returns to the US as the UK version of the programme gears up for an early 2020 premiere on ITV, as revealed by TBI earlier this year.

The broadcaster confirmed earlier this month that comedian and presenter Joel Dommett – a known stand-up who has presented the likes of ITV2’s I’m A Celebrity…, Hey Tracey! and Singletown – will take on hosting duties, while the judging panel will include musician Rita Ora; presenter Davina McCall; broadcaster Jonathan Ross and Hollywood actor and comedian Ken Jeong.

Masked Singer showrunner Craig Plestis discussed the show’s strategy around its elaborate costumes earlier this year, telling TBI that the challenge for season two was, “to make the costumes even lighter and ensure the audio level is really good for the singer because they are singing live underneath the costume”.