E4 has decided not to commission a second series of its reality competition show The Underdog: Josh Must Win. The news, revealed by The Sun newspaper, comes after the show’s first series aired last spring.
Here’s the Lowdown: A spokesperson for E4 confirmed the cancellation to The Sun, stating that while they were “very proud of the show,” the channel is focusing on “a series of new reality shows coming to E4” this year. The Underdog featured a unique twist: contestants believed they were competing in a popularity contest called “The Favourite,” hosted by Nick Grimshaw. However, a secret group of celebrities (Amber Rose Gill, Vicky Pattison, Pete Wicks) were manipulating events from next door to ensure the designated “underdog,” Josh, won.
What This Means Now: Despite its inventive concept, The Underdog failed to secure a return. E4 is clearly prioritizing fresh formats in its reality slate for the year ahead. Fans of the show won’t see the celebrity puppet masters return for another round of strategic interference.
The Bigger Picture: The cancellation highlights the competitive nature of the reality TV landscape. Even shows with unique premises and recognisable names like Nick Grimshaw and the celebrity panel need strong performance to guarantee renewal. E4’s decision suggests The Underdog didn’t build enough momentum or audience engagement to justify a second run amidst their plans for new programming. The first series remains available to stream on Channel 4’s platform.
