FYI’s ‘Married At First Sight’ Generates Network Ratings Uptick

A+E Networks kicked off the July 8 official re-brand of BIO network to FYI with a strong ratings debut for original series Married At First Sight, the network said Wednesday.

The provocative series, which follows individuals who get legally married the moment they meet each other, averaged 270,000 viewers in its 9 p.m. debut, a 64% viewership increase over the former BIO channel’s primetime average, said network officials. The series also drew 149,000 adult viewers 18-49, a 122% increase over BIO’s primetime average.

Overall, FYI will launch six new series in July, including tonight’s debut of Rowhouse Showdown and Tiny House Nation, said the network.

“Viewers have certainly embraced FYI’s buzzy first original series, Married at First Sight … we have many more exciting new shows to come, focusing on embracing personal creativity and improvised living for an upscale audience with a modern sensibility,” said Jana Bennett, President of FYI & LMN in a statement. “The immediate impact of the rebrand to FYI is an extremely rewarding first step in evolving and maturing BIO in a rapidly changing landscape.”

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.