‘River Monsters’ Scares Up Record Ratings

Animal Planet’s season five debut of series River Monsters drew 1.8 million total viewers, a record for a series premiere.

The show’s April 7 two-hour premiere was also the second most watched episode ever and posted big increases compared to last season’s average in several key demos including adults 18-49 (938,000, up 18%); men 18-49 (608,000, up 28%); and men 25-54 (543,000, up 9%), said network officials.

The series will run Sundays and conclude with a two-hour special on Memorial Day, May 27, said network officials.