'The Set' Scores TV Ratings Boost Thanks To Earlier Time Slot

ABC's live music program The Set has seen a massive increase in its ratings this week. 

Last night's program, which is hosted by triple j's Linda Marigliano and athlete/radio host Dylan Alcott, saw a growth of 104,000 viewers from last week's episode, which came in with 85,000 viewers. This week picked up a total of 189,000 viewers and featured guests Jessica Mauboy, Kira Puru and Didirri.

Notably, this is the first week that the program has run in the 9.30pm Wednesday time slot, with all previous season two episodes running at 9.55pm. Prior to this week, Diary Of An Uber Driver held the time slot. The show wrapped its season with 217,000 viewers last week. With Diary Of An Uber Driver now off-air, The Set's new lead-in was Utopia, one of ABC's most popular programs.  

This is the highest rating episode for the show's season so far, having debuted on 28 August with guests Amy Shark, Thelma Plum and The Teskey Brothers to 101,000 viewers. 

The show's 11 September episode featuring Illy, Dune Rats and Thandi Phoenix scored the season's lowest ratings so far at 58,000 though the following week, with Middle Kids, Kasey Chambers and Adrian Eagle, did see a significant increase to reach 85,000.

Speaking with The Music today, TV Tonight's David Knox suggests that this week's ratings increase could come down to few factors.

"It definitely enjoyed a lift thanks to the earlier time slot and no doubt having Jessica Mauboy didn't hurt," shared Knox. "Utopia is a much stronger lead-in so it's a natural time slot lift. 

"Mid-week may not be the best slot for The Set but it's a good to see some live music back on TV so I hope they persist."

The show debuted to a total of 224,000 viewers in October last year, with performances from Vera Blue, Baker Boy and Wafia, but has struggled to match the figure in this year's time slot.

The Set continues next week with guests Northeast Party House, Polish Club and Alex The Astronaut, and on 9 October with Boy & Bear, Marlon Williams and Montaigne. It airs on ABC on Wednesdays at 9.30pm.