‘Hatfields & McCoys' Breaks Viewership Record in Night Three

History miniseries' conclusion nets 14.3 million viewers

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/31/2012 2:47:59 PM

The conclusion of History's three-part miniseries Hatfields & McCoys was its most watched episode yet, drawing 14.3 million total viewers on Wednesday night, according to Nielsen.

Night three surpassed its premiere audience of 13.9 million total viewers from Monday to become the new No. 1 entertainment telecast in the history of ad-supported cable. All three nights of the Kevin Costner/Bill Paxton period event rank as the top three most-watched entertainment telecasts of all time by the same measure.

Hatfields also averaged 6.3 million adults 25-54 for part three, making it the top entertainment telecast in the demo on ad-supported cable in 14 years. Wednesday's episode drew 5.1 million adults 18-49, up 9% over the previous night.

Over three nights, Hatfields averaged 4.9 million viewers in the 18-49 demo, making it the highest-rated miniseries or movie on cable since 1998.