Farmer Wants a Wife's season premiere delivers strong ratings for Channel Seven

As the saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

The ratings are in for the season premiere of Farmer Wants a Wife, and the reliable format of Aussie farmers looking for love with city girls is just as appealing as ever.

The first episode delivered strong numbers for Channel Seven on Sunday, reaching 820,000 viewers in the five major cities, reports Mumbrella.

Winners are grinners! The ratings are in for the season premiere of Farmer Wants a Wife, and the reliable format of Aussie farmers looking for love with city girls is just as appealing as ever

This number lifted to 1.28 million nationally, demonstrating the show’s strong viewership in regional Australia.

While 820,000 is a decline on last year’s season launch of 908,000, Farmer Wants a Wife did face competition on Sunday from Nine’s Australian Ninja Warrior.

The obstacle-course show had a metro audience of 724,000.

Numbers: The first episode delivered strong ratings for Seven on Sunday, reaching 820,000 viewers in the five major cities, reports Mumbrella. Pictured: FWAW host Natalie Gruzlewski

Country favourite: This number lifted to 1.28 million nationally, demonstrating the show’s strong viewership in regional Australia

Meanwhile, MasterChef Australia drew 633,000 viewers for Channel 10, which marks a welcome uptick going into the finals.

Sunday’s premiere of Farmer Wants a Wife saw sparks fly between farmer Sam, 25, and 24-year-old nurse Mackenzie – one of the eight women vying for his affection.

After their first proper conversation, Sam half seriously told producers: ‘I found The One, guys. Let’s wrap it up.’

Dip: While 820,000 is a decline on last year’s launch of 908,000, Farmer Wants a Wife did face competition from Nine’s Australian Ninja Warrior, which had a metro audience of 724,000

Third place: Meanwhile, MasterChef Australia drew 633,000 viewers for Channel 10, which marks a welcome uptick going into the finals. Pictured: MasterChef judge Melissa Leong

The feeling was mutual, with Mackenzie saying: ‘Right now I am walking on air. I feel a little bit elated, [there’s] a bit of a rush. I think it was a really nice first meeting.’

Sam had to choose five out of the eight women to progress in the competition. In addition to Mackenzie, he picked Dayna, Demi, Allanah and Nickia.

Farmer Wants a Wife continues Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Seven 

‘I found The One!’ Sunday’s premiere of Farmer Wants a Wife saw sparks fly between farmer Sam, 25, and 24-year-old nurse Mackenzie – one of the eight women vying for his affection