A&E’s 'Duck Dynasty’ Debut Draws 11.8 Million Viewers

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

A&E’s reality series Duck Dynasty generated a cable record 11.8 million viewers for a non-scripted series with its season-four premiere Wednesday night.

The series also set a cable-best audience among adults 25-54 (6.3 million viewers), as well as network record viewership among adults 18-49 (6.3 million viewers) and adults 18-34 (3 million), according to A&E officials. The fourth-season premiere grew by 37% in total viewers, 29% in adults 25-54 and 26% in adults 18-49 versus the record-setting season-three debut.

“Thanks to its authentic and engaging characters Duck Dynasty has become more than just a reality show, it is a cultural phenomenon,” said David McKillop, General Manager and Executive Vice President of A&E in a statement.

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.