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“‘Sopranos’ Rubs Out Ratings Marks”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A&E made viewers an offer they couldn’t refuse.
Wednesday night’s much-ballyhooed debut of “The Sopranos” outside the family — i.e. any network other than anything-goes HBO — paid off big time for ithe show and A&E. Episode No. 1 (entitled, cleverly enough, “The Sopranos”) of the 18-time Emmy-winning drama series attracted 4.3 million viewers. That’s the biggest audience ever for an “off-network” series premiere (translation: a series airing off its original network. Think: “Sex and the City” when it first jumped from HBO to TBS, “24” when it went to FX or “Law & Order” when its reruns left NBC for, well, everywhere).
This was a big gamble for everyone involved, starting with A&E, which paid a reported $2.5 million per episode for the rights to all episodes of the series that launched in 1999 on HBO and will supposedly wrap up its sixth and final season sometime this spring there (You never know with those wily “Sopranos.” They’re always coming and going at the oddest times). Also, since some (OK, lots) of the show’s more *&!#$!% graphic language and scenes had to be altered to conform to basic cable standards, there’d been some question about whether longtime viewers would come along to A&E and newcomers would find the show as appealing.
As Tony would say, “Whaddayou kiddin’ me?” Besides being the No. 1 show Wednesday for all ad-supported entertainment cable networks, “The Sopranos” bested A&E’s average 2006 primetime viewership by a whopping 291 percent. And, in what matters most to youth-obsessed ad buyers and sellers, it led all cable in the desirous 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 age groups. In other words, everybody younger than Uncle Junior.
A&E is airing two episodes of “The Sopranos” chronologically Wednesdays at 9 p.m. The same episodes repeat the following Monday at 9 p.m.
NOTE: Since this item was posted, HBO announced the final nine new episodes of “The Sopranos” will start airing Sunday April 8. Check the item on this blog titled “Let’s Hug It Out” for more info on that and the return of “Entourage.” — The Serf
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Dave
January 12, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
It’s 2.5 mil per episode. Your statement was imprecise as it related to A&E’s investment.
By don
January 12, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Did you ever consider that many prefer to see the show without the “graphic language and scenes”? They add nothing to the story and are merely there to attract the dullards of society.
By kwn
January 12, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
So, I and my girlfriend finally got to watch the Sopranos. I didn’t know it had been edited, but for her sake I’m happy. She would have turned it off if it was any worse.
By don
January 12, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Excellent point, kwn, and she would have been right to do so.
By Gary
January 12, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
How many more days will this story be posted before it finally isn’t news anymore? After 6 days I’m just curious is all.
By dullard
January 12, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Don/kwn, ““graphic language and scenes”? They add nothing to the story and are merely there to attract the dullards of society”… I disagree.
After having spent a week here in the Garden State - that is truly the way most folks here talk. I think the original “sopranos” language is authentic and the acting is spot on for (shady) characters based in the Jersey area.
By Kimberly
January 12, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
I was excited to watch the Sopranos since I missed the entire first season. I am by no means a “dullard” but it was really weird watching it edited. It’s just not the same. I am going to continue to watch the first season just to fill in the blanks that have been missing for me, but after that I doubt I will watch it. For me personally, the language plays a huge part in the show.
By Wayne
January 12, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Loved the Show. I never watched any on HBO
By sandrine
January 12, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Contrary to “Don’s” comment regarding foul language and violence, those of us who have followed the original airings of The Sopranos (we of the non-dullard catagory thank you very much) know and understand that this is the way mobsters talk and conduct “business as usual.” These are NOT nice people!! Conversly, the language and violence are intergal parts of each episode and not for the sake of gratuitous consumption.
By scott
January 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
This is like the editing of Smokey and the Bandit. Smokey nor Soprano’s is as good without everything included
By Nicole
January 12, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I just started watching Sopranos on In DemandAnd am so happy that A&E are airing the episodes from the begining.Im such a huge fan now. I personally didnt notice that they had to do some editing. I do believe the profanity has a part in how people percieve the show, but either way the acting is really good so it doesnt really take anything away from it.
By DW Love
January 12, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
I like the essence of Don’s comments. I don’t need to have foul language and gratuitous nudity to enjoy a show. Many network shows illustrate a gritty lifestyle without those elements.
I realize a criticism is that this is realistic. However, they also take a poop, and I don’t want to watch that either.
DW
By Scooter11
January 12, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Foul language I can get anywhere. I wanted more of the “gratuitous nudity.” Short supply where I hang out.
By Rick
January 12, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Forget A&E…I am sure it was cut and filled with commercials. I can’t wait for March 2007.
By vAL
January 12, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
I loved everything about the Sopranos. I am enjoying on AE also. I think it will change a little as the episodes go on. I could the diffence when Sex and the City went to TBS. But I still watch it.
By Dave
January 12, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Wow! You read my comment and changed the article. I am impressed beyond words.