‘Real Housewives of NY’ Finale Sets Record

Bravo’s Highest-Rated Debut Docu-Series Goes Out Strong

By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 4/16/2008 3:01:00 PM

The finale of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City drew its highest ratings for the season across all demographics, officials said Wednesday.

The New York City freshman franchise earned a spot as the highest-rated first season docu-series in the network's history among adults 18-to-49 and total viewers. The finale garnered 1.1 million adults 18-to-49 and 1.4 million total viewers, up 33% (1.1 million versus 796,000) and 32% (1.4 million versus 1.1 million) respectively from the prior episode.

The Real Housewives of New York City, which has been picked up for a second season, averaged an impressive 1.1 million total viewers and 843,000 adults 18-to-49.

Viewers get an extra dose of drama during The Real Housewives of New York City reunion special April 22, where tempers flare and the ladies let it all hang out.

Hosted by Bravo programming executive and Watch What Happens host Andy Cohen, the ladies of New York City reunite to dish on the season and give their side of the story on what really went on after the cameras stopped rolling.

The third season premiere of Work Out improved on season two among adults 18-to-49 (593,000 versus 588,000) and was up 4% in total viewers (764,000 versus 735,000) compared to last season's debut.

Versus the prior four-week time period average, Work Out was up 20% among adults 18-to-49 and 9% among total viewers. Work Out, featuring fitness maverick Jackie Warner, moves to its regular timeslot April 22 at 10 p.m.