Once again proving that online buzz does not necessarily translate into ratings magic, Lifetimes “The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story” failed to deliver in the Labor Day viewership race.
Monday’s initial broadcast drew just 1.6 million total viewers. 1.1 million fell within the parameters of the adults 18-49 demographic, which should translate to a 0.9 adults 18-49 rating.
Weak in a vacuum, the numbers look particularly unremarkable when compared to those of other recent Lifetime movies.
The cable network’s recent “Petals on the Wind” film drew 3.4 million viewers on Memorial Day. Lindsay Lohan vehicle “Liz & Dick,” which was considered a ratings disappointment, drew 3.5 million when it aired in November 2012.
The “Saved by the Bell” viewership also trailed that of “Houdini,” which aired on sister network A&E Monday. Part one of the miniseries attracted 3.7 million total viewers Monday.
Older-skewing, “Houdini'”s initial adults 18-49 audience was comparable to that of “Bell.” It drew 1.2 million adults 18-49 viewers at 9PM.