Is it possible to set a ratings record and still underwhelm (on a network not named “The CW”)?
Such is the case for critically-acclaimed new series “Homeland,” which opened to the best premiere ratings in Showtime history despite losing a significant portion of its “Dexter” lead-in.
The Claire Danes-starrer opened to 1.08 million viewers, down from the 2.2 million for “Dexter” (its highest-rated premiere to-date).
With the 12AM and 2AM replays, “Homeland,” which Showtime says also received 1.4 million online or on-demand “sampling,” the series attracted a total of 1.38 million viewers in its first outing.
The two “Dexter” re-runs brought the premiere tally up to 2.76 million.