Is Joe gaining traction with Dual Survival viewers?

It’s another week on the Discovery Channel’s Dual Survival; how are fans settling in with the new partnership of Cody and Joe?

Huliq readers continue to debate the new dynamic in the partnership, and many are still wary of the more military, less survivalist feel of the episodes thus far. Last week’s episode gave fans a chance to see Joe “take point” in the South African bush, but some fans did not necessarily react as Discovery may have hoped. Fans of the show commented on Huliq article, “Joe ‘takes point’ in South African bush, Dual Survival fans react,” and they were blunt:

Reader Pipip thought Joe was, well, not such a nice guy, saying, “Joe is just mean. And for all his military training, he couldn't even kill a catfish. Cody had to do it.”

But, other fans liked what they saw, such as non-embellishing veteran, who disagreed with the negative reviews, saying, “I can actually watch this show now. It's far better with Cody & Joe! I've always liked Cody but I somehow had a feeling when Dave spoke he was just full of crap...guess I was right! Keep up the good work guys, hoo-yah!!”

Fans Liking What They See?

Reader Kate said she liked the look of the new host: “I thought last night's show was excellent....especially when Joe took off his shirt...what a chest!!!!”

But, others, like commenter magman, thought the obvious attempt to pull in female viewers via Joe’s manly attributes was rather cheesy: “It's good to see that Joe was allowed to go back to the Travel Lodge at night in order to shave his belly.... Is there nothing about this man that is not embarrassing??”

New Viewers in the Mix

One anonymous commenter thought the naysayers would keep watching, along with new fans who will enjoy the military vibe now going on with the show: “It seems because of Joe's background he seems to be picking up more fans that are ex or still military. Those people that want to blast the show are still going to watch so they can blast the show, meanwhile Joe will add to the fan base.”

Reader Archer, however, appeared to believe that what Discovery may be gaining in new viewers, it is losing in loyal fans: “Picking up new fans perhaps, but he's driving out the old ones by the drove. As a long time TV watcher I know full well that problems that arise from suddenly changing out a character or actor. Fans are resistant to change yes, but there are other factors at work here in this case.”

Is Support for Joe Growing Overall?

So, while there are still negative comments to be sure, fans who support the change, or who are at least still open to the possibilities of the new season, are beginning to trickle in with their support. Will that support continue to grow as the season goes forward? Tonight, fans will again see more of Joe in the spotlight, according to Discovery Channel’s description of tonight’s episode:

Deep in New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert, Joe struggles to get out of an abandoned mineshaft. A deadly western diamondback rattlesnake becomes dinner, and a maggot-infested cow carcass puts the team's opposing survival tactics to the test.

Stay tuned.

Dual Survival airs on the Discovery Channel on Tuesday nights at 9/8c.

UPDATED: Did Cody, Joe turn trust-building corner in Hawaii?

Image: Discovery Channel

Video: Discovery Channel/Dual Survival