‘The X Factor’ UK ratings continue to plummet; is Simon Cowell series in major trouble?

We typically mock the British tabloids for some of their frequent hyperbole when it comes to “The X Factor” and its recent ratings decline, but this time around, there may actually be something to it.

Despite hyping up its revamped panel and hosts going into the new season, Sunday’s episode failed to even draw six million viewers. This is a decrease of more than a million viewers from the first episode, and we’re not going to say that this bodes particularly well for how the rest of the season will fare. We’re not saying it’s on the verge of ending or anything, but it is somewhat of a letdown for ITV to see that no matter what they do, they just cannot stop the bleeding.

We do feel like there is one major problem with the show right now, but it is not one that everyone will want to hear about: Simon Cowell. The music mogul is the person that artists want to meet, but as an entertainment personality he’s a shell of a former self. We’ve heard all of his one-liners before, and while it used to mean something to hear positive praise from him, it no longer has the same effect. At this point, we almost wonder if he’d be better in a different role, such as an adviser or something where he wasn’t a permanent fixture on the panel.

We will see if the show does better next year against “Strictly Come Dancing,” but given that this is popular rival over on the BBC, right now we’re feeling particularly doubtful that it will.

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