Season six of the popular TV programme ‘High Stakes Poker’ got off to a shaky start this year, after loyal viewers took time to settle into the new format of the show. Now, however, the show seems to be enjoying a resurgence in interest with viewer rating figures up an incredible 27% among adults aged 18 to 49.
In a risky departure from their usual set-up, GSN decided to change their winning formula, get rid of AJ Benza and try a one person commentary approach instead. They also introduced Kara Scott to the show as a co-presenter and put her on the shop floor where she could interview players in and around the poker playing area.
Despite viewers missing the witty banter between co-host Gabe Kaplan and then presenter A.J. Benza, interest in the show seems to have soared amongst its target audience, with ratings among adults aged 18 to 49 up a whopping 27%.
Commenting on the latest figures, Vice President of Programing and Development at GSN David Schiff said: “We’re very gratified to see this season of ‘High Stakes Poker’ performing so well among these important demographic groups and we can attribute it to an especially strong player lineup this season. We have some of the biggest names in poker this season, including more international players, and the viewers are clearly responding to the outstanding game play.”
Some of the top poker pros helping contribute to the success of season six include Patrik Antonius, David Benyamine, Doyle Brunson, Tom “durrrr” Dwan, Eli Elezra, Antonio Esfandiari, Barry Greenstein, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, Mike Matusow, and Daniel Negreanu.
The players themselves are obviously delighted with the success of the new season, with HSP regular Antonio Esfandiari commenting: “It’s an honor to one of less than a handful of players to have never missed a season of High Stakes Poker. HSP is, hands-down, the number-one show that poker players want to be a part of. Anyone who’s a poker player wants to be on the show, but only a select few get lucky enough to be chosen.”
To view each new episode of High Stakes Poker Season Six, be sure to tune into GSN each Sunday at 8 p.m. EST, with repeat showings at 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
