EDDIE McGuire's comeback to The Footy Show has proven a ratings winner for Channel Nine.

Initial ratings data showed 381,000 viewers tuned in to watch Nine in Melbourne, while 180,000 watched Channel Seven's show The Front Bar.

The figure is more than 200,000 viewers higher than The Footy Show's lowest ratings this year.

The Footy Show returned to television on Thursday night after a two-week hiatus.

From the start it looked different, with hosts and panelists opting not to wear ties, and a single desk with capacity for seven people.

The Collingwood president and Rebecca Maddern shared hosting duties on the left of screen, with Sam Newman sitting between them.

Comedian Dave Hughes was seated at the far right of screen, with player panelists in the middle, swapping out for big-name guests.

Sacked Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade gave his first interview, while Tiger fans would have enjoyed the extended chat with coach Damien Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin.

There was also a live cross to the home of injured Geelong skipper Joel Selwood.

Integration with Foxtel and Fox Sports was evident throughout, with McGuire – who needed to negotiate with Foxtel to allow him to return to the Nine show – highlighting upcoming Fox match telecasts.

McGuire even referenced Lifestyle Channel hit Gogglebox, before throwing to the show's own version 'Footybox', which was well received on social media as current-day players reviewed a selection of AFL television shows.

Show stalwarts Billy Brownless and Shane Crawford had a limited role, with their first appearance to promote a prize giveaway.

The Front Bar, which started three years ago as a series on AFL.com.au, has slowly emerged as a challenger this season, initially post-game to Thursday night fixtures, and then as a stand-alone primetime show.

Seven's offering fronted by Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher had Brownlow medalist Chris Judd as a headline guest.

The real test for both shows will be in the coming weeks, as the buzz surrounding the revamp of Nine's long-running show wears off.