‘Crushology 101’ Plummets to Historic Low Ratings

Roh Jeong Eui and Lee Chae Min's new series, ‘Crushology 101,’ has hit rock bottom, recording a staggering viewership below 1% after only two episodes. This dismal performance sets a new record for the lowest ratings of any Friday-Saturday drama aired on MBC.

Plot Twist: A Promising Premise, But No Audience Appeal

‘Crushology 101’ follows the journey of Ban Hee Jin, affectionately called Bunny, who navigates the dating scene after a traumatic breakup with a much-less-than-perfect boyfriend. Adapted from a wildly popular Kakao Webtoon boasting over 170 million views, it had all the ingredients for success: a university setting, a captivating plot, and a cast of young heartthrobs. Despite this, its initial episodes drew a mere 1.3% and then plummeted to an alarming 0.9%—a figure lower than any previous MBC drama.

Critics Point to a Disconnect with Viewers

The primary culprit for these abysmal ratings seems to be a glaring disconnect with the target audience. MBC’s Friday-Saturday lineup traditionally caters to middle-aged women, a demographic that found little in the storyline to engage them. The first couple of episodes, filled with Bunny’s romantic misadventures amidst handsome suitors, failed to resonate.

Cultural commentator Kim Sung Soo highlighted the absence of social messages that typically resonate with older viewers. He remarked, 'Terrestrial TV's core audience is aged 40 and up; they appreciate themes that reflect their experiences.' Historically, successful MBC dramas have woven in relatable social themes, even in youthful contexts.

Jung Deok Hyun, another critic, added, 'The series overly focuses on superficial qualities. Bunny’s journey from an average ex to a string of heartthrobs is not aligning with today’s values. And with many rookie actors in the mix, it lacks the star power to draw in viewers.'

Bad Timing: Competing with Blockbusters

The timing of the show’s premiere further exacerbated its struggles. Launching in the aftermath of two hit dramas—‘Treasure Island,’ which concluded with a solid 15.4% rating, and ‘The Art of Negotiation’ at 10.3%—left 'Crushology 101' with the daunting task of capturing the audience's attention amidst heavy competition.

Hope on the Horizon?

Despite the rocky start, there’s still hope! With many episodes ahead, there’s potential for the series to adapt and win over its audience. Will 'Crushology 101' find its footing and make a comeback? Stay tuned as we continue to follow this unfolding drama!