In an electrifying premiere, the new trivia game show, The Floor, captivated audiences across Australia on April 28, 2025, garnering a remarkable 1.17 million viewers on average. The show, hosted by the charismatic Rodger Corser, features 81 contestants competing for a staggering grand prize of $200,000, alongside a chance to win an additional $80,000 throughout the series.
As the first episode unfolded, viewers witnessed a high-stakes battle of wits where contestants not only needed to showcase their knowledge but also their strategic prowess. The format involves contestants winning tiles from their neighbors, expanding their territory on a giant LED floor, with the player holding the most territory at the end of each episode walking away with a bonus of $10,000.
Among the standout moments of the night was Shawna, a 23-year-old administrative officer from Queensland, who took a bold risk by entering a second duel against Georgia, a 28-year-old fashion account manager from New South Wales. Shawna had already won a duel in her category of 'fruits' and aimed to leverage her momentum for a chance at the bonus. However, the stakes were high as she faced Georgia in her area of expertise—bands. Unfortunately for Shawna, her gamble did not pay off, and she lost the duel. "It's tough out here, once you've missed one the pressure starts to mount," Corser remarked sympathetically.
Despite Shawna's setback, the excitement of The Floor continued to draw in viewers. The show, which has been a global sensation since its inception in the Netherlands, has now made its mark in Australia, joining the ranks of popular game shows like Farmer Wants A Wife and MasterChef Australia. On the night of its premiere, The Floor outperformed Farmer Wants A Wife, which averaged 833,000 viewers, and MasterChef Australia, which saw 676,000 viewers.
Rodger Corser, who has long been a favorite on Australian television, expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the show, noting it as a significant milestone in his career. He shared, "I was hesitant to pursue game show hosting, fearing it might overshadow my acting career, but now I see it as a dream come true." The production, filmed in a massive studio in Amsterdam, aims to deliver a thrilling experience to viewers.
With 81 contestants representing a diverse range of professions—from teachers to tradies—the competition promises to be fierce. Contestants not only face off in trivia duels but also engage in a strategic game that requires quick thinking and adaptability. The dynamic nature of the show keeps both participants and viewers on the edge of their seats, as each decision can lead to victory or elimination.
The premiere episode of The Floor was not just a test of knowledge but also a showcase of resilience and strategy under pressure. Viewers were treated to a mix of anticipation and excitement as contestants battled it out, with the stakes continually rising. Shawna's experience highlights the intense pressure contestants face, especially when they opt for high-risk moves in hopes of securing a win.
As the episode concluded, the buzz around The Floor continued to grow, with many eager to see who would emerge victorious in future episodes. The show airs on Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM on Channel 9 and 9Now, inviting trivia enthusiasts to tune in and test their knowledge against the contestants.
In terms of viewership metrics, The Floor recorded a total national reach of 2.22 million viewers, making it a strong contender in the competitive landscape of Australian television. This performance not only solidifies Nine's position in the primetime game show arena but also raises the question of whether it can sustain this momentum against established favorites like Seven News, which topped the night with a reach of 2.3 million viewers.
As the series progresses, audiences will be watching closely to see how The Floor evolves and whether it can maintain its initial excitement. With its unique format and high-stakes gameplay, it is poised to become a staple in Australian entertainment.
