Update: It appears Spike might have been using “coverage ratings” (rating among viewers who have Spike) rather than the traditional national ratings. The national cable ratings breakdown confirms the viewership numbers Spike reported (2.2 million at 10PM, 2.0 million at 10:30PM) but says that the first episode actually drew a 1.0 adults 18-49 rating (rather than a 1.3) and that the second episode drew a 0.9 (rather than a 1.2).
In either case, Spike’s report confirms the 10PM episode ranks as the network’s highest-rated and most-watched premiere ever. It was also cable’s top-rated original program Thursday night.
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“Lip Sync Battle” got off to a strong start, and Spike is singing its praises.
According to the network, Thursday’s drew a 1.3 adults 18-49 rating with 2.2 million viewers during the 10-10:30PM timeslot. Both numbers represent records for an unscripted Spike premiere.
“The record ratings are indicative of the incredible talent and creativity of the producers and participants who delivered in so many ways,” says Spike’s Kevin Kay. “We are incredibly encouraged by the balanced audience of the premiere as we continue our mission to target a broad viewership.”
Spike touts that the episode drew a 1.5 in women 18-49 and a 1.4 in women 18-34. It was the network’s highest-rated premiere ever in those demographics.
56% of the premiere episode’s adults 18-49 audience was female, notes Spike.
— The immediate follow-up did not retain the entirety of its premiere audience, but it still fared well with a 1.2 rating and 2.0 million viewers.
