DUCK Dynasty: The Revival ratings have plummeted by 11 million viewers from the original show’s highest-episode ever after critics called the premiere “boring.”
The Robertson family returned to the small screen on Sunday, June 1 on A&E with Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
Duck Dynasty: The Revival returned with low ratings[/caption]
In the series’ heyday, over 11 million viewers watched[/caption]
The reboot focuses on Willie, Korie, and their children, along with other members of the Robertson family.
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiere had just 510,000 viewers for the episode.
As of last week, the highest A&E series before the premiere was First 48 Presents: Critical Minutes with 378,000 viewers.
While the show exceeded the current programs on the network, ratings plummeted drastically compared to its heyday.
The highest Duck Dynasty episode was on August 14, 2013.
The season four premiere drew a whopping 11.8 million viewers, making it the number one nonfiction series telecast in history at that time.
Duck Dynasty ratings remained in the millions throughout the show’s 11 seasons.
The final episode on March 29, 2017 brought in 1,507,000 viewers.
The premiere was slammed as ‘boring’ by viewers[/caption]
HARSH REVIEWS
Variety reviewed the episode, claiming the show will “bore” viewers “to tears.”
On the episode, Willie showed up to the Duck Commander warehouse.
He explained, “Duck Commander warehouse is totally different, five or six businesses. It’s got a museum, family history, pretty much everything we’ve ever said or done is up on the walls of the museum. The gift shop, we have podcasts, we’ve written books, it’s a lot for one man to manage.”
When a producer asked who is in charge of the business in a confessional with Willie and his wife Korie, he said, “I am still currently in charge of this business.”
Korie smiled and quipped, “For the most part.
“It’s kind of complicated now because other people have really stepped up and done a great job of taking over different aspects of it.”
Willie then said, “Well when something big comes up I still come.”
Korie shot back, “Every few months.”
At a company meeting, Willie announced he is going to semi-retire and is looking for his replacement.
He then has the family go duck hunting to see who has what it takes to help take over the business.
The episode was also filled with family events, including a workout session and welcoming home daughter Rebecca’s new baby.
One viewer said after watching the premiere, “Tonight’s show was a huge disappointment. I’ll watch next week bc I want this to succeed. Hoping it gets legs and takes off.”
A second commented, “Not the same without Phil, Godwin, Martin and Jep.”
A third wrote, “This is nothing but them sitting on a couch watching episodes I’ve already seen literally 25x. Very disappointed.”
A fourth said, “Dam. Alot has changed. DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME… I understand the time has changed but am pretty sure we all a little upset cause we was all expecting something like the original Duck Dynasty episodes.
“Happy to see how this goes and all but nothing will ever beat the original duck Dynasty Episodes. This looks more like a family gathering show.”
DUCK DYNASTY FAMILY TREE
Duck Dynasty: The Revival is returning to A&E and will follow Willie, Korie and their family. Go inside the Robertson family’s family tree.
Patriarch Phil and matriarch Miss Kay Robertson’s children:
-Son Al, who is married to wife Lisa, and share daughters Anna and Alex
-Son Jase, who is married to Missy, and share children Reed, Cole and Mia
-Son Willie, who is married to Korie, share six kids Sadie Robertson Huff, John Luke, Rebecca, Will Jr., Bella and Rowdy
-Son Jep, who is married to Jessica, and share Lily, Merritt, Priscilla, River and Gus
Uncle Si: Phil’s brother
SAD PASSING
A week ahead of the premiere, the family announced the passing of patriarch Phil Robertson.
Willie and Korie wrote in a joint Instagram tribute of the patriarch’s passing, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.
“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life.
“We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”
The death at age 79 came as the star battled Alzheimer’s.
While he didn’t appear on the premiere, Willie and Korie discussed the diagnosis and how it has affected the Robertson family.
Patriarch Phil died at the age of 79[/caption]
