CNN Scores With ‘The Sixties’

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

CNN’s 12-part series The Sixties jumped out to a strong ratings start, garnering 1.3 million viewers and besting cable news competitors Fox News and MSNBC in key demos.

The episode, Television Comes Of Age, drew 284,000 viewers in the news network’s key 25-54 demo during the 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. timeslot, besting both Fox News and MSNBC, according to Nielsen. The performance represents a +190% increase in the demo 25-54 (284k vs. 98k) and a +312% increase in total viewers (1.390m vs. 337k) as compared to prior four-week average, according to Nielsen.

 A second airing of the episode at 10 p.m. drew 946,000, falling behind only Fox News, which drew more 1.4 million viewers during the timeslot, according to Nielsen.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.