The “Shall we dance” premiere was watched by 617,000 viewers. 184,000 more viewers than last year.
The reality concept “Skal vi danse” is one of TV 2’s most expensive productions, but also one of the biggest successes for the channel.
For over 15 seasons, the program has served entertainment at its best with twelve new celebrities on the floor every single year. This year, on the other hand, the channel was to hit the big time with an even bigger investment.
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Big changes
Previously, the broadcast took place in TV 2’s premises in Nydalen with limited audience seats. In order to satisfy the audience’s desire for a place in the hall, as well as even more space to frolic in, TV 2 H3 Arena at Fornebu rented for the new season of “Skal vi danse”.
With a capacity of 1,200 audience guests, the channel also considered offering ticket sales for those who wanted to see the popular program live. March 12, however, should prove to lay the groundwork for the whole thing.
Due to strict infection control rules as a result of the coronavirus, the production cannot accommodate more than 200 people anyway.
STRICT RULES: Despite a small audience in the hall and strict infection control measures, the celebrities impressed a lot from the floor on Saturday night. Here Fred Buljo and dance partner Lillian Aasebø on the floor.
Photo: Espen Solli (TV 2)
– No regrets
The measures around the infection control rules might be thought to create a financial pain for TV 2 and their large investment. According to Kathrine Haldorsen, program editor at TV 2, they do not regret the choice of studio investment.
– Not at all! The studio at H3 Arena is more than twice as big as the one we have operated in before. We are really looking forward to inviting viewers to the opening party in the new studio on TV 2 on Saturday. Also in terms of infection control measures for production and the public, we are happy to have more space to work on, Haldorsen told Nettavisen ahead of this year’s “Skal vi danse” premiere.
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According to Haldorsen, there were more reasons than ticket sales that led the channel to move production to the H3 arena. She does not wish to comment on whether TV 2 has embarked on a loss-making project with a view to a lack of ticket revenues. However, Haldorsen rejects benefits from the state for any loss costs.
– TV 2 does not receive funding from the state in connection with «Skal vi danse». Beyond that, we do not comment on the finances of our projects, she stated.
Great success
Saturday was the premiere of the popular program. Despite the fact that the premiere went off the stack with a number of more measures than planned, it still turns out that TV 2 has once again created a success.
According to figures from TV 2, the premiere of “Skal vi danse” on Saturday was seen by a total of 617,000 viewers. This is an increase of 184,000 viewers from last year, when the premiere was seen by 433,000 viewers.
– It is gratifying to see that “Skal vi Danse” gathers such a large audience in its 16th season. Growth in viewership from last year does not come by itself, so the fantastic participants, internal forces in TV 2 and the production company Nordisk Film TV deserve all possible praise today, says Haldorsen to Nettavisen.
– This is going to be a terrific season, she adds.
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Whether H3 arena is the recipe for success is not certain. The changes made so far this year have not yet set guidelines for next year.
– Right now we are concentrating first and foremost on the season ahead of us. Then the experiences from this season – and of course the current infection picture, and the guidelines this imposes on us – will be the starting point for which solutions we choose next year, says Haldorsen.
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