Cable Ratings: 'True Blood' Episode Is HBO's Most-Watched Since 2004
5.3 million tuned in for vampire series Aug. 23
By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/25/2009 6:46:02 PM
Vampire series True Blood on Sunday night captured HBO's largest audience outside of The Sopranos in more than five years.
The Aug. 23 premiere averaged 5.3 million watchers, according to Nielsen Media Research data, up 20% from the previous week's premiere.
Installments of the David Chase mob series aside, that was the top performance for an HBO show since a Deadwood episode on April 11, 2004, which was the lead out from The Sopranos that night.
True Blood, which has two more original episodes to premiere during its sophomore season, has delivered a gross audience of 11.6 million watchers when tallied over its various linear plays, DVR and HBO On Demand airings, according to the premium service.
Click here for the full story at Multichannel.com
-
It is a shame that this episode was one of the worst of the series. Another poster said he was embarrassed by some of the lines the actors had to deliver, and I agree. I continue to be a big fan of the show, and hope this one was an outlier.
J Ward - 8/26/2009 1:02:59 PM EDT -
Funny! Dramatic! Horrific! Gory! Touching! Beautiful! Disturbing! Those are just a few words to describe TRUE BLOOD.
The actors are at the top of their game. The writers must have a sixth sense to know exactly what needs to be written to convey this fabulous story. It's the best show on television and I hope they can keep the momentum going and keep us thrilled for years to come. Oh, that's another word, THRILLING!
BobbyinTn - 8/26/2009 11:16:16 AM EDT -
The show is usually interesting, although not always great. It's a pity that particular episode received that much attention, as it was without a doubt the worst one I have seen in either season. It felt as though the director (or actors) were making it up as they filmed, with entire scenes that went in circles, going nowhere and doing nothing to advance the story.
Robert Taylor - 8/26/2009 11:15:24 AM EDT -
I had high hopes for this show, but it's ultimately boring and misses all kinds of dramatic opportunities. Too much time wasted on the stupid humans (so sick of perfect Sookie and impotent Bill), not enough vampires in a show about vampires...I fast forward through most of it now and just watch Eric's scenes.
lb - 8/26/2009 11:00:39 AM EDT -
I love the show - considering I missed the 1st 3 episodes the 1st season/then was talked into watching it ..I wouldn't miss it.....I like Bill and Eric...but Bill does IT for me...maybe cause blonds never did IT for me...plus I like Bill's demeanor & sincerity. Being a Gay Man - I'd happily let Bill bite my neck!
rextrek - 8/26/2009 10:19:07 AM EDT
Cable Ratings: ‘True Blood' Delivers For HBO
06/16/2009USA is cable ratings leader; disney No. 2
04/06/2008
