Hollyoaks: Discussion Thread

[DRW50]

So can anyone tell me what some of the biggest changes were in the Flashforward episode and now?

Wasn't there a scene in the flashforward episode where Calvin talked to Rhys about secrets you can't keep? I don't remember that being in this week's episodes. There seemed to be much less emphasis on Rhys.

There was also no emphasis on Leo being the killer, which was there in the December episode.

They also had Suzanne in the new scenes, where she was not in the December scenes with Darren and Rhys sitting at the table.

[BadBoy93]

Rhys was meant to be a suspect,but they ditched it i dunno why

Leo was also meant to be a suspect,but they ditched that too

Not sure about Suzanne. I think she was in The December episode.

[DRW50]

Apparently this was the highest rated Friday Hollyoaks since early April, although they still didn't clear 900K. With the poor reviews the show gets and the beautiful weather they supposedly had yesterday I guess that's good, by their current standards.

[Bright Eyes]

Of all the new producers, I have the most faith in Marquess, so I hope his version of 'Oaks is a sure fire hit. How high were the ratings at the height of Kirkwood's reign?

[Y&RWorldTurner]

They used to get like 1.5 or closer to 2 million at the height of Kirkwood's reign. I believe Kirkwood's reign was their most successful era ratings-wise, and obviously critically.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Oh wait, this article about Kirkwood claims the ratings were higher during his run.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/21/mondaymediasection4

[DRW50]

I wonder what they were using to count the ratings because I remember the ratings from around 2007 being around 1.5-2.5 million, not 4.

I think the show may have gotten up to 4 or 5 in the late 90s or early 00s but that was a different era for the soaps.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Perhaps they meant the climax of the storylines brought in those massive ratings for the show during that time?

I think The Bill got some of its best ratings under Marquess, even though many hated what he did to the show. I think the show was regularly getting as many viewers as EastEnders during that time.

Edited May 22, 2010 by Y&RWorldTurner

[DRW50]

Perhaps they meant if you count repeats and E4. That might be closer. I think at that time E4 did much better, around or above 1 million, whereas now it's lucky to get 300-400K.

[BadBoy93]

lets hope Marquess can fix the show before its too late.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

It may already be too late.

Viewers tuned out in droves during Lucy Allan's reign of terror, it would be very surprising if Marquess can improve upon her ratings.

[Sylph]

Perhaps he can by creating buzz? A megahuge, year-long, bang-bang storyline?

That, or it'll flop.

Edited May 22, 2010 by Sylph

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Apparently, Marquess has a "disaster" stunt planned for later this year. If that can't bring in the ratings, I think nothing will at this point.

[DRW50]

I think that a long term building up of quality and consistency, socially relevant stories, breakout characters, and some "wow" moments to create a buzz will be the key for ratings. I think there have been so many soap stunts over the past few years viewers may have lost interest in them.

If I were them I'd consider doing a Live Week of episodes, like OLTL did in 2002.

[BadBoy93]

Hmmmm interesting ideas. Live Episodes especially.