In what world can a basic cable series best the ratings behemoth, CBS? Well, this world. FX’s hit drama Sons of Anarchy just did it.
While CBS’s 10 PM time slot competitor Vegas raked in 12.1 million sets of eyes, in the key demographic — adults 18-49 — the series scored only a 2.0 share. And while SoA is trucking along with a solid viewership of around 4.6 million, in the key demo, the cable series nabbed a remarkable 2.88 share. That means that of the viewer set that advertisers care about most, the largest group was tuned into the biker drama. Making its victory even sweeter are ABC’s Private Practice and NBC’s Parenthood at 1.6.
SoA has consistently been one of FX’s most successful shows, with its Season 5 premiere breaking ratings records at 5.47 million viewers. Plus, it’s regarded as FX’s most-watched show in the network’s history. Add to that the recent death of an integral character, which heightened the intensity of the series’ plot, characters emotions, and its eventual endgame, and it’s clear the series is just getting started.
The lesson here? Showrunner Kurt Sutter has earned his right to blast anyone and everyone he disagrees with on the Internet, in interviews, and anywhere in life really. (Not that he would have changed that if that ratings had tanked. Being outrageously outspoken is kind of his thing.) Numbers don’t lie, and he’s got the numbers. And then some.
[Photo Credit: FX]
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