Fox’s reality competition Nation’s Dumbest has become the network’s strongest summer debut in four years, suggesting that celebrity-led entertainment programming is helping bolster its seasonal audience. Hosted by Jack Whitehall, the BBC Studios-produced series features contestants including Hilaria Baldwin, Dr Drew Pinsky, Steve-O and JoJo Siwa.

Its 15 July premiere drew 2.3 million viewers over seven days, according to Nielsen, and the programme has reached 8.7 million viewers across its run so far. Fox said July primetime viewing rose 31% among adults aged 18–49 and 40% among total viewers year on year, aided by shows including The 1% Club, The Quiz with Balls, Beat Shazam, Kitchen Nightmares and MasterChef, as well as the World Cup.