There is no mystery about how ABC Family is responding to news that “Pretty Little Liars” opened to big ratings Tuesday–the network is ecstatic.
The book series adaptation launched to the tune of 2.466 million viewers, with a 0.9 rating in adults 18-49. Among the more crucial younger demographics, the show drew a 3.7 with kids 2-11 and a 1.9 in women 18-34.
Other demographic numbers included 904,000 teens, 853,000 female teens, 1.7 million viewers 12-34 and 1.5 million female viewers 12-34. According to ABC Family, the show’s females 12-34 figure made for the best cable series debut this season in that coveted demographic.
Though “Pretty Little Liars” received lukewarm reviews from most leading critics, its ability to open well seemed like a no-brainer. With an inviting premise, charismatic leads and a fanbase from the Sara Shepard book series, the show appeared so destined for success that ABC Family launched it as a standalone on Tuesday night (instead of starting it with a “Secret Life” lead-in on Monday).