Channel 4's much-hyped drama 'The Inheritance' has spectacularly failed to capture audience attention, recording some of the year's most disappointing viewing figures despite the star power of Elizabeth Hurley.
The four-part thriller, which concluded this week, managed to attract a meagre 289,000 viewers during its final episode—a startlingly low number for a prime-time Channel 4 production featuring an A-list actress.
A Staggering Decline
The numbers reveal a dramatic week-on-week collapse. The opening episode initially drew 633,000 viewers, but this figure plummeted by over 50% as the series progressed, indicating viewers rapidly lost interest despite the significant promotional campaign.
Industry analysts have described the ratings as "catastrophic" for a drama of this scale and budget. The show's performance places it among Channel 4's least-watched original dramas in recent years.
Plot and Production Problems
'The Inheritance' centred around a wealthy family torn apart by secrets and betrayal after the mysterious death of their patriarch. Hurley played the glamorous and manipulative widow at the heart of the turmoil.
Critics were largely unimpressed, with many reviews describing the plot as "convoluted" and "unconvincing." The poor reception from both audiences and critics suggests fundamental issues with both the storytelling and character development.
What This Means for Channel 4
This high-profile failure represents a significant setback for Channel 4's drama department, which had invested considerable resources in the production. The disastrous ratings will likely prompt internal reviews about greenlighting processes and audience taste assessment.
The flop also raises questions about whether star power alone can guarantee success in today's competitive television landscape, where streaming services offer countless alternatives to traditional broadcast content.
