“The Bible,” “Vikings” open big on History Channel

PanARMENIAN.Net - It was a big night for History, whose 10-hour miniseries The Bible opened with 13.1 million viewers and 4.6 million adults 25-54 to rank as the No.1 cable entertainment telecast of the year. It was followed by the debut of the network’s first original scripted series, The Vikings, which rode The Bible‘s coattails to draw 6.2 million viewers, 2.5 million Adults 18-49 and 2.7 million Adults 25-54, beating the broadcast networks at 10 PM in the 18-49 demo. The rollout was part of a new strategy by male-skewing History which is launching the bulk of its programming after the end of football season this year, Deadline said.

The Bible, produced by Lightworkers Media and Hearst Entertainment & Syndication, averaged 14.8 million viewers, 5 million Adults 18-49 and 5.6 million Adults 25-54 over two airings March 3 night. It will continue to air two-hour installments every Sunday, culminating with its conclusion on Easter Sunday.

Vikings’ premiere ranks as the No.1 new cable series launch of the year among total viewers and Adults 25-54. Over two telecasts, the opener amassed 8.3 million viewers, 3.4 million adults 18-49 and 3.8 million adults 25-54.

Vikings was created and written by Michael Hirst who serves as exec producer along with Morgan O’Sullivan, John Weber, Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn and Sheila Hockin.