Last night, Global Television’s homegrown drama Rookie Blue was a force to be reckoned with as 1.8 million (2+, national) Canadians tuned into the highly-anticipated series premiere. Airing in simulcast with ABC, the much buzzed-about episode won the night nationally and across all key markets.
“From script to screen, we were behind Rookie Blue and knew it would be a success right out of the gate,” Barbara Williams, Executive Vice-President of Content, Canwest Broadcasting. “We are so pleased that viewers have embraced this series and are excited to showcase even more of this hit show in the months ahead.”
South of the border, Rookie Blue was also a ratings success as over seven million viewers tuned into the broadcast on ABC. It was the top-rated scripted summer debut in over a year and easily won its 9pm ET/PT timeslot opposite well-established programs including So You Think You Can Dance (FOX) and CSI (CBS).
Not only is the series a hit with viewers, but with critics as well. Early acclaim for Rookie Blue includes: “Summer’s must-watch show” (TV Guide Canada); “Arresting entertainment” (The Toronto Star); and “Viewers will keep coming back” (The Globe and Mail).
ROOKIE BLUE DATA HIGHLIGHTS (All data Adults 18- 49):
* 712,000 million viewers in key A18-49 demo
* Rookie Blue won the night in Toronto with 317,000 viewers.
* Highest rated premiere for a Canwest-commissioned original drama within the last five years
* Rookie Blue bested the closest competitor of the night, The Mentalist, with 37% more viewers
* Outperformed The Bridge (CTV) premiere by double the number of viewers and had 165% more viewers than the Republic of Doyle (CBC) premiere
* Rookie Blue garnered 88% more viewers than Flashpoint premiere (July 11, 2008)
AMA(000)
June 24 – 9pm ET/PT (A18-49)
NATIONAL
Rookie Blue – Global – 712,000
So You Think You Can Dance – Results – CTV- 475,000
The Big Picture: Malibu’s Most Wanted – /A\ – 54,000
America’s Got Talent (8 – 10pm) – CityTV – 269,000
