'Sons of Anarchy' Returns to Most-Watched Episode

Season four premiere drew 4.9 million total viewers

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/7/2011 2:35:11 PM

Sons of Anarchy returned to record ratings Tuesday night as the season four opener drew 4.94 million total viewers, making it the FX drama's most-watched episode ever.

The 90-minute premiere also delivered 3.22 million adults 18-49, up 15% compared to its season three opener. Total viewership improved 20% by the same mark. Combined with its two encore runs at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m., Sons posted 7.25 million total viewers and 4.76 million in the key demo.

Sons' previous high for total viewers was the season two finale on Dec. 1, 2009, which drew 4.32 million watchers. Its previous high in the demo was 3.03 million for the season two premiere.