The broadcast schedule for The Neighbourhood, the new reality series fronted by Graham Norton, has been altered after its initial run on ITV. Rather than keeping the show in the 9pm primetime window where it launched in April 2026, the network moved the remaining instalments into later evening slots. The final five episodes are set to air from Friday 8 May to Tuesday 12 May, and viewers can also watch the entire series as a box set on ITVX. This adjustment follows a period of underwhelming live audience numbers and a strategic reshuffle of the 9pm schedule.
The programme pairs multiple households in a competition for a top prize of £250,000, with producers emphasising both rivalry and connection between contestants. The debut season totals 11 episodes, and ITV’s schedule update spreads the last shows across late-night airtimes: Friday’s instalment is at 10.45pm, Saturday at 10pm, Sunday at 10.20pm, and both Monday and Tuesday at 10.45pm. An ITV spokesperson confirmed that the full box set is available to stream and that the series will continue to be shown in an evening slot on the broadcaster.
Ratings and scheduling changes
Audience figures reportedly declined after the launch, with figures dipping to under 500,000 viewers by the third episode, leading executives to rethink the placement of the show in the schedule. As a result, ITV filled those former 9pm spaces with repeat programming, and the live run of The Neighbourhood was moved to later times. The network’s decision reflects a common approach in television commissioning: when a series does not secure expected live audiences, broadcasters often prioritise higher-performing or proven content in key slots to protect overall ratings and advertiser interest.
Viewer reaction and future prospects
Public response has been mixed, with some viewers expressing disappointment and others saying they gave the format a try but were unconvinced. Reports from industry outlets and unnamed insiders suggest a second series looks unlikely, with comments indicating that although the concept and host were praised internally, the audience did not follow. On social platforms, audience members contrasted the show’s intentions with execution, and some called the outcome “hopeless.” These reactions, combined with the numerical decline, appear to have influenced ITV’s current stance on commissioning further seasons.
Production and presenter perspective
Graham Norton has spoken positively about the scale and atmosphere created for the show, noting the purpose-built set in Derbyshire and likening its feel to a cinematic environment that surrounds contestants on every side. The format’s emphasis on households meeting and, at times, forming unexpected bonds was highlighted by the presenter as one of the series’ emotional strengths. Norton remains a familiar figure on UK television, continuing to host The Graham Norton Show on BBC One and to serve as a regular commentator for Eurovision, underscoring his cross-network profile despite the scheduling change on ITV.
How the format landed
The show’s premise—households competing in what has been described as a popularity contest—was designed to produce high-stakes drama and human moments, with production values and the prize pot underlining the ambition behind the project. While producers pointed to meaningful interactions and standout sequences, the live broadcast numbers did not match those expectations, prompting ITV to prioritise streaming availability on ITVX for viewers who prefer to catch up at their convenience rather than via the linear schedule.
What this means for viewers and the industry
For viewers, the immediate effect is practical: the remaining episodes will air later on ITV1 between Friday 8 May and Tuesday 12 May while the entire series can be streamed on ITVX. For the production community and commissioners, the case illustrates how quickly programming strategies can shift when live audiences are lower than projected. The combination of mixed public reaction, reported sub-half-million live figures, and the broadcaster’s decision to repurpose the prime-time slot suggests that the show’s future beyond this debut run is uncertain.
Ultimately, the scheduling move and streaming availability give audiences options to watch the series while industry observers consider the lessons for format launches and scheduling priorities. ITV’s statement about evening broadcasts and the ITVX box set leaves the current season accessible, and commentators will be watching for any formal announcement about renewal, even as insiders suggest another series may not be forthcoming. Viewers are encouraged to share opinions respectfully as the show’s run concludes.