The Block ratings surge but auction day looms

The Block’s biggest season in years is blitzing ratings, but TV insiders warn its legacy could hinge on one high-stakes auction day in Daylesford. Pictures: Nine

The Block’s most-watched season in years could still unravel on auction day, with television insiders warning all eyes will be on the hammers.

Across four nights, the show is drawing combined episode reach totals of more than 8 million, though that includes repeat viewers across episodes.

The 2025 season launched with a reach of 2.7 million and continues to dominate Sunday nights with average audiences pushing past 1.4 million amid the shows format change from renovating to building and stronger focus on the contestants stories and building rather than drama.

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Television and entertainment expert Colin Vickery said The Block’s real test is still to come, when the renovated Daylesford homes go under the hammer.

“The Block will always rate well on finale night,” Mr Vickery said.

“But a flop result can leave a sour taste and impact next year’s momentum.”

Staff headshots — TV commentator Colin Vickery says The Block’s fate could hinge on auction day, warning a flop finale might dent its momentum. Picture Rebecca Michael.

Mr Vickery said big-name buyers like Adrian Portelli have played a major role in recent seasons, but “if they’re absent this year”, the pressure will shift back to everyday market demand.

“This year, if those buyers sit it out, it’ll be interesting to see what happens,” he said.

“The moment the hammer drops still defines how The Block is remembered each year.”

Mr Vickery said the show was easily outrating rivals like Channel 7’s The Voice and Network 10’s Survivor, and credited Nine producers with maintaining audience loyalty by returning to a single-season format and keeping location choices fresh.

“They’ve got both ends of the calendar locked up, Married At First Sight in the first half of the year, and The Block in the second,” he said.

“It’s smart programming.”

Judge Marty Fox has become a breakout star on The Block, delivering unscripted one-liners and sharp design critiques each week. Picture: Nine

Block judge and Whitefox director Marty Fox said this season was a “perfect storm”, with casting, location and fairness working in its favour.

“Daylesford is rich in history and lifestyle appeal, and this season feels like a level playing field,” Mr Fox said.

“For the contestants, if you succeed, it’s on you.

“If you fail, it’s on you, that fairness resonates with viewers.”

Mr Fox said a cultural shift was underway in what audiences wanted from reality television in 2025.

“People are tired of toxic drama,” he said.

“They want effort, quality, transformation, and they’re getting that this year.”

Controversy and renovation drama were scrapped this season, with Nine opting for a back-to-basics format focused on homebuilding and contestant stories. Picture: Nine

Marty Fox says all judging scenes with Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer are filmed in a single take, judges walk in blind, with no producer brief or background on the contestants.

The show has also helped turn Mr Fox into a household name, thanks to his blunt, unscripted critiques, including calling one bathroom an “up-market abattoir”, a line that quickly went viral with fans on forums
But, The Block judge told The Herald Sun “none of it is planned” and his reaction with fellow judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer were all in real time.

“It one take, off the cuff, in the moment,” Mr Fox said.

“But people remember it. I had someone stop me at a sushi shop just to talk about a one liner I’ve said on the show.”

Fan favourites Robby and Mat have impressed fans with their no-nonsense builds, comedy and strong teamwork on The Block 2025. Photo: Nine

Britt and Taz were left speechless after Marty Fox labelled their bathroom an ‘up-market abattoir’

Mr Fox said The Block’s continued success came down to its ability to cut through as one of the last true appointment-viewing shows on TV.

“You can watch it with your kids and your parents, and all get something out of it,” he said.

“It sparks conversations around the dinner table — that’s rare these days.”

With more than 33 million viewer engagements already logged this season, expectations for the finale are high.

“They’ll wrap the season and analyse what worked,” Mr Fox said.

“But if the finale lands, this could be remembered as one of The Block’s best.”

The Block 2025 Ratings

Episode	Audience Reach	Average Audience
Ep 1 (Launch)	2,700,000	1,303,000
Ep 2 (Mon)	1,919,000	1,100,000
Ep 3 (Tue)	1,898,000	1,120,000
Ep 4 (Wed)	1,836,000	1,029,000
Ep 5 (Sun)	2,497,000	1,312,000
Ep 6 (Mon)	2,050,000	1,082,000
Ep 7 (Tue)	2,025,000	1,079,000
Ep 8 (Wed)	1,926,000	1,061,000
Ep 9 (Sun)	2,617,000	1,412,000
Ep 10 (Mon)	1,952,000	1,074,000
Ep 11 (Tue)	1,711,000	961,000
Ep 12 (Wed)	1,722,000	1,029,000
Ep 13 (Sun)	2,622,000	1,443,000
Ep 14 (Mon)	2,034,000	1,099,000
Ep 15 (Tue)	1,852,000	1,040,000
Ep 16 (Wed)	1,983,000	1,113,000
Average	2.84 million	1.141 million