ITV viewers 'switch off' new show as they brand it a 'rip-off' of BBC's The Traitors

Viewers of ITV's Genius Game were left unimpressed, with many slamming the new game show as a "Traitors rip-off" and admitting they were 'switching off'.

The fresh reality series, presented by the charismatic David Tennant, selects contestants for their sharp intellect and social savvy, challenging them to outwit each other in a gruelling fight for victory.

To clinch the prize, players must excel in unique games that test their mental agility, while also employing strategic deception to eclipse their rivals and secure the cash reward.

In the previous episode, Charlotte triumphed in the main match, and Paul was left facing the death match.

During tonight's gripping episode on 1st May, the competitors engaged in the 'Main Match' known as the Zombie Game. With mystery cards in play, two participants became zombies tasked with converting their human counterparts, who had to dodge the zombie transformation.

The competition heated up as Scott and Alison vied to avoid elimination. The tension-filled Death Match ensued, with only one emerging victorious.

Despite the high stakes, Alison claimed the win, leading to Scott's early exit from the show, much to his dismay.

Viewers tuning in to the show couldn't help but notice a striking resemblance to the popular BBC series The Traitors. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one fan observed: "This is the traitors with zombies.#GeniusGame."

Another echoed this sentiment, saying: "So this is just a complicated version of the traitors now, i don't get it #geniusgame." Several others shared similar thoughts, with one commenting: "This game is like The Traitors! #GeniusGame." And another joking: "The creators of the traitors watching this #GeniusGame."

However, not everyone was hooked, with some finding the show's format too confusing. One viewer admitted: "Tried to watch the Genius Game. If a game show requires diagrams I'm out."

Others expressed similar frustration, with one saying: "Never been so confused in my life #geniusgame." And another adding: "I've given up on #GeniusGame just isn't grabbing me at all."

One fan even wondered if the host, David Tennant, was equally perplexed, asking: "Does Tennant even know what's going on? He's just reading the autocue #GeniusGame."

Despite the mixed reactions, some fans were thoroughly enjoying the show, with one praising it as "Brilliant and intriguing! #GeniusGame." And another saying: "this new game show, #GeniusGame is fab!! I am loving it."

Genius Game airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.