Given months of hype and the built-in WWE audience, one would not have been out of line for anticipating a very strong premiere rating for “Total Divas.” That person, however, would have been proven wrong.
But if one instead approached it as a regular E! series, he would likely be satisfied with the premiere episode’s performance.
Sunday’s initial broadcast attracted an average of 1.3 million viewers with 855,000 of those (roughly a 0.7 rating) falling in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic. With its midnight encore included, “Divas” reached two million viewers Sunday night.
Ranking as the most-watched E! series premiere since “Married to Jonas”‘ inaugural episode last year, the show improved immensely upon the debut of previous timeslot occupant “The Wanted Life.” That series launched last month to the tune of 599,000 viewers and a 0.3 adults 18-49 rating.
That comparison is important for its reveal that following E! juggernaut “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” does not guarantee massive ratings. “Total Divas” should not be applauded for retaining less than 50% of its “Kardashian” lead-in (2.8 million), but when one considers how “Wanted” fared (retaining only 20% of its 3.017 million viewer lead-in), it definitely averted embarrassment.
Solid for a premiere, the numbers are not so hot that “Total Divas” can afford to drop considerably in the coming weeks. WWE, E! and all those involved need to hope the premiere, which received decent reviews, was compelling enough to hook viewers.