TV One's 'R&B Divas' Debut Sets Network Viewership Record

TV One's debut of reality series R&B Divas Monday set a record for the most watched original series premiere, the network said Tuesday.

The series, which follows the lives of R&B singers Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert-Daniels, Monifah Carter, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt drew 662,000 total viewers and 479,000 adults 25-54, said network officials. Overall the series premiere drew nearly 900,000 viewers including an encore airing.

"We were confident in the quality of production and that the compelling storytelling deriving from the Divas' willingness to present their lives so openly and honestly would result in an entertaining series," said Toni Judkins, TV One executive vice president of programming and production for the network in a statement. "We're pleased that the ratings reflect the viewers' interest in and support of the show and TV One."

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.