The Crystal Maze has proved hugely popular for Channel 4, becoming the number 1 performing programme in its Friday night slot this year, in the 16-34 demographic.
The brand new 20×60 series kicked off with four special celebrity episodes in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, and saw 2.4m* viewers tune in to watch the launch episode.
A further 1million viewers caught up over the next 7 days, forming a consolidated audience of 3.4m with a 14.1% share, 22% above the C4 slot average share of 11.6%

The Fizz produced show presented by Richard Ayoade has captured the imagination of C4 viewers and demonstrated an appetite for nostalgia, as episode two continues to consolidate and currently stands at 2.8m viewers with a 12.5% share.

The format re-boot has also proved very popular with critics, with the Guardian commenting ‘It is a rare re-boot, in that it looks and feels as good as (maybe even slightly better than) the original.’ Along with plenty of praise for the new Maze Master, Ayoade including: ‘Somehow, Ayoade has cleverly been able to embody a lot of the qualities O’Brien had, and yet bring a completely innovative feel to the maze’ (Radiotimes.com)

Neale Simpson, Executive Producer for Fizz commented: “We were obsessed about doing justice to the much-loved original so we’re overjoyed (and hugely relieved) that we’ve had such an amazing response from viewers, super-fans and critics.”

Episode 3 will broadcast on Friday 7th July at 9pm, with Episode 4 the following week, on Thursday 13th July at 9pm, on Channel 4.

A further fifteen episodes featuring members of the public are due to broadcast later this year, as well as a Celebrity Christmas Special for the festive season.

Fizz is part of RDF Television, a Banijay UK company. Banijay Rights hold the worldwide rights to the format and all content. The Crystal Maze was commissioned by Tom Beck, Head of Live Events & Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, Channel 4.

*source: BARB