Among idol audition shows released in 2024, SBS’ “Universe League” is showing signs of success for THESE reasons.
On November 22, the survival program “Universe League” officially kicked off, which is the male counterpart of the “Universe Ticket” Season 1. The latter show formed UNIS.
According to OSEN on the 27th, the premiere episode recorded a viewership rating of 0.7% — the highest rating among the first broadcasts of idol audition shows released this year.
In 2024, multiple shows were also launched such as “Make Mate 1,” “SCOOL,” “Starlight Boys,” and more, but how did the new show earn this viewership rating amid competitors?
The first reason is its unique format that shies away from the usual idol broadcast. Instead of focusing on individual contestants, the show made a league-based competition: dividing the 42 contestants into three teams (Groove, Rhythm, and Beat).
The so-called Directors (judges), along with viewers, will help each other to form the final team who will win the “Prism Cup” — their much-coveted debut.
Through a series of rounds, the members can be traded between teams, still pushing each contestant to show their best skills while maintaining the team’s harmony.
Secondly, not only the competition between the candidates but the intense battle among the judges is attracting attention.
For the three teams, some of the best idols of all generations lead it including BTOB Changsub (Groove), GOT7 Yugyeom and VENDORS EL CAPITXN (Beat), as well as WayV Ten and YangYang (Rhythm). Jay Park also joined as the MC.
Lastly, the show earned massive public interest by dropping its signal title song, “We Ready,” ahead of the program. By posting videos on its official SNS, the trainees were promoted ahead and earned their fanbases even before Episode 1.
Among the contestants, some of the fan favorites include JL Gaspar from the Philippines, Cha Woong Ki (former TO1), Park Han, Steven, Seo Jeong Woo, Kairi (former TFN), and more.
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