History’s 'The Bible' Commands 13.1 Million Viewers

Second-Most-Watched Show Premiere In Cable History
By: R. Thomas Umstead Mar 5 2013 - 12:07am
Second-Most-Watched Show Premiere In Cable History

History’s original miniseries The Bible drew a whopping 13.1 million viewers in its Sunday night debut, according to Nielsen fast cable ratings.

The Mark Burnett-produced, 10-hour miniseries is the second-most watched premiere of a non-sports cable show in cable history, behind the 13.9 million viewers History drew with the May 28, 2012 debut of Hatfields & McCoys.

The Bible debut also drew 4.6 million adults 25 to 54 and 4.1 million persons 18 to49, according to the network.

"The success of The Bible has catapulted History into one of the most powerful brands across the media landscape and we could not be more thrilled and proud," said Nancy Dubus, president, Entertainment and Media,A+E Networks in a statement. "Clearly, there is a nationwide groundswell that was waiting for this moment."

History also scored Sunday night with the debut of its first original scripted series, Vikings, which pillaged 6.2 million viewers, 2.7 million adults 25 to 54 and 2.5 million persons 18 to 49 viewers during its 10 p.m. debut. The series stands as the most-watched new cable series of the year among total viewers and adults 25 to 54, according to the network.