OFCOM has reported 190 complaints from viewers of Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow who "objected to the ethnicity of the contestants".
The startling figures were included in the TV watchdog's weekly report after the show aired a line-up of black players.
The show - a reboot of Michael Barrymore gameshow Strike It Lucky - was applauded by many for fielding a line-up of six black players on Saturday night.
But several ended up posting about their disapproval on Twitter - prompting a pushback from other fans of the show and a debate about racism in Britain.
One exasperated viewer wrote: "What sort of country do we live in when people have to criticise an Alan Carr gameshow because there are black people on it."
Another wrote on Twitter: "Shameful & disgraceful comments on here about the contestants on Alan Carr's epic game show all being black.
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"No matter what colour, we are all people & have the right to a life without abuse."
A third said: "What? Why are people complaining about a black family being on Alan Carr’s game show? Not everyone’s white in this world.
"Also, IT. IS. A. GAME. SHOW. Why should it even matter?"
Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow, fronted by the 44-year-old comedian, revives a classic gameshow each week with members of the public taking on the games in exchange for cash and prizes.