Since the explosion of “Lost,” attempts at recreating that serialized magic have often premiered to strong ratings but then quickly bled viewers en route to an ultimate destination of cancellation.
That drop-off could just as easily happen to NBC’s new offering “Revolution,” but the most important thing at press time is that so too did the strong premiere ratings haul.
Update: Based on the fast nationals, “Revolution” drew a 4.1 adults 18-49 rating and 11.7 million viewers, which is very impressive for a drama premiere, even given the lead-in support from “The Voice.” FOX’s “The Mob Doctor” was not so successful, generating a paltry 1.5 rating and 5.1 million viewers in its debut.
According to TV Media Insights, “Revolution” opened to a healthy 7.9 overnight metered market rating, positioning itself for a strong ratings finish when the demographic data is revealed at around 12PM.
By comparison, NBC’s similar 2010 launch “The Event” opened to a 7.5, and its performance on opening night was considered strong.
Whether it can be called as strong is not yet clear. Though “Revolution” technically won on an apples-to-apples metered market comparison, it benefited from significantly lighter competition and also received the coveted “The Voice” lead-in. While the direct connection between “The Voice” and “Revolution” is uncertain, what is certain is that few shows can complain about a lead-in rating of 8.8.
“Revolution” lost viewers at the midway point–it averaged an 8.2 from 10-10:30 and a 7.5 from 10:30-11–but given the inflation at the front-end due to “Voice,” that is not a terrible trajectory.
— Less successful in the Monday premiere race was FOX’s new series “The Mob Doctor,” which opened to a 3.7. Due to FOX’s skew, there is a chance the number will not be absolutely terrible in the adults 18-49 demo (though it will not be great), but what is decidedly more disappointing is the fact that it lost a significant portion of its “Bones” lead-in. That veteran posted a 5.5 at 8PM.
