BLACKPINK's Jennie recently appeared as a guest on the show My name is Gabriel, but unfortunately, the episode's viewership ratings didn't see a boost. The episode aired on the 27th and recorded a rating of just 1.1%, dropping 0.1% from the previous episode's 1.2%.
Fans were hoping that Jennie would help lift the ratings, but it seems her presence couldn't break the 1% barrier.
In this episode, Jennie played the role of Maria, who runs a farm stay in a village near Rome, Italy. She loves nature and animals, and she captured viewers' attention right from the start with a stunning overseas opening. Coincidentally, Jennie was also scheduled to attend a fashion show on the Italian island of Capri, where a surprise kidnapping took place. Showing her trademark surprised expression, she commented, “I guess I'm going horseback riding. I used to ride horses in New Zealand when I was little. I think I'll be really happy,” sharing her excitement about the adventure ahead.
As Maria, Jennie lived in a beautiful mansion near the horse ranch, where she met her character's only family member, her mother. Throughout the episode, she bonded with animals like horses, dogs, and cats, showcasing a softer side of herself that fans loved. Her deep empathy for Maria, who adores horses enough to decorate her home like a horse museum, left a lasting impression on viewers.
Despite having a glamorous lineup with stars like Park Bo Gum, Ji Chang Wook, and Dex, My name is Gabriel started with a 1.5% rating and has struggled to maintain viewership, consistently remaining in the 1% range. Even a scheduling change in an attempt to compete with Na Young Suk PD’s popular show Seojin’s sequel did not seem to help.
Interestingly, Na Young Suk PD's follow-up project, Three Meals a Day: Light, began with an impressive 11.4% rating and climbed to 11.8% in its second episode, demonstrating the strong competition in the current TV landscape.
Fans have shared their thoughts on the ratings, with one saying, “It’s true that the ratings are disappointing considering the names of the PD and cast. Jennie, Park Bo Gum, and Dex are in the lineup.” Others questioned whether the show was performing well on OTT platforms, with one fan commenting, “Is this not doing well on OTT either? These days, even if ratings aren’t great, if it performs well on OTT, they continue to produce it…”
While some viewers found the show engaging, others expressed disappointment. “So boring…” one user commented, while another noted, “What did Jennie do… wasn’t Apartment 404 a flop too?”
However, some fans defended the show, saying, “I happened to catch the first episode and it turned into a program I regularly watch. I like getting a deep look into how foreigners live, so I find it interesting to see their housing, eating habits, and cultural differences.”
Others highlighted the emotional aspect of the show, stating, “The program seemed more about emotion and healing rather than intrigue.”
Finally, some fans wondered about Jennie’s track record on variety shows. One user asked, “Has Jennie ever had good ratings in a variety show?” and another remarked, “Jennie isn’t famous for variety shows, so why all the Jennie talk?”
Overall, while fans have mixed feelings about My name is Gabriel, Jennie’s appearance brought some excitement. However, it seems that the show still has a long way to go in terms of ratings!
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