Update: CBS notes that the premiere of “Star Trek: Discovery” drew a 1.9 adults 18-49 rating and averaged 9.6 million overall viewers Sunday night.
The broadcast certainly benefited from strong lead-in support (“60 Minutes,” which was boosted by the afternoon NFL game), but both numbers are solid. They reflect a sizable sampling for the latest entry in the “Star Trek” franchise.
“Discovery,” it should be noted, will not be a broadcast TV series moving forward. New episodes will instead premiere on the premium CBS All Access Streaming Service.
Its real value will therefore come from how many subscriptions it helps generate.
The early results are encouraging in that regard, as CBS says that it received a record number of sign-ups Sunday. The real barometer will be how many viewers subscribe — and remain subscribed — over time.
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Based on preliminary ratings, the premiere of CBS’ “Star Trek: Discovery” drew a solid audience.
According to metered market data posted by Programming Insider, Sunday’s broadcast drew a 6.7 overnight household rating.
It trailed NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage in the timeslot, but it markedly outperformed competition from ABC and FOX.
The aforementioned rating confirms interest from a substantial number of households, but it does not reveal how well “Star Trek” fared in the adults 18-49 demographic coveted by advertisers (and thus broadcast networks). Demographic and overall viewership data should emerge later in the day.
“Discovery,” however, is an interesting case. TV ratings (particularly adults 18-49 numbers) typically matter insofar as they impact a show’s ability to earn revenue from advertisements.
“Discovery” will not be an advertiser-driven TV show moving forward. It will be the flagship of CBS’ All Access streaming service, where new episodes will air exclusively.
The goal of this premiere — and of “Discovery” as a whole — is to attract paying subscribers to the network.
