'Portlandia' Draws Strong Ratings In Return

IFC's Jan. 4 season three premiere of original series Portlandia delivered year-to-year growth compared to the prior season, according to network officials.

The premiere episode drew 379,000 total viewers according to Nielsen's Live+SD (same-day) measure and 645,000 viewers via Live+3, which includes additional airings three days after the premiere. The Live+3 number is 30% above the series' season two premiere, according to network officials.

Combined with a second original episode, Portlandia delivered more than 1.1 million total viewers, and 751,000 viewers in the adult 18-49 demo, according to Nielsen Live+3 figures.

"We are incredibly grateful to Fred, Carrie, Jonathan Krisel and everyone involved with the creation of this one-of-a-kind comedy," said Jennifer Caserta, IFC's president & GM in a statement. "The show's outstanding performance underscores IFC's successful brand strategy and growing appeal for the distinct point of view our original alternative comedies."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.