GMC's `Love Me Or Leave Me' Sets Ratings Record

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

The Nov. 13 premiere of GMC's inspirational stage play Love Me or Leave Me set a network ratings record, said network officials.

The John Ruffin-penned, gospel stage production averaged 874,000 viewers over three airings during its debut night, according to network officials. GMC did not break out viewership for each individual telecast.

The play stars Angela Evans as a troubled teen who abandons her fraternal twin infants, only to return 25 years later to try to re-enter their lives.

GMC also announced it generated its highest weekly viewership performance ever during the week of Nov. 15-21, averaging a 0.10 total household rating, according to network officials.

"We are closing the year with great ratings momentum and look forward to reaching new heights on a regular basis in 2011," said Brad Siegel, vice chairman of GMC in a statement. "Our uplifting family entertainment strategy is resonating with viewers."

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.