"Sopranos" Sets Ratings Record

January 12, 2007

A&E made headlines last year when they paid a record $2.5 million per episode for the syndication rights to HBO’s “The Sopranos”. Immediately after the high cost of the episodes stopped making news, critics began to wonder whether or not the show could succeed on a network that won't allow cursing or nudity.

But it looks like the gamble paid off. TVweek.com is reporting that Wednesday night's premiere of the show drew 4.27 million viewers, making it the highest rated premiere for an off-network show ever on cable television.

When "The Sopranos" originally aired, it was praised for an ability to make gritty mob life seem accessible through excellently written characters caught in desperately violent and often highly sexual situations. Critics were right to wonder just how far A&E would be toning down the show.

Yet, even with subject matter ranging from mob killings to panic attacks, the show picked up sponsors that included Sonic Restaurants, Paramount Pictures, and Ford.

The second episode (which was shown directly after the first) drew 3.45 million total viewers and a whopping 1.6 million in the coveted 25-54 demographic.