The X-Files has become the highest rating drama to ever screen on Channel 5, the broadcaster has said.
The reboot, which premiered in the UK on February 8, secured Channel 5 its highest overnight ratings in over a year with an average audience of 3.17 million viewers, and an additional 60,000 tuning in an hour later on Channel 5 +1.
Data from the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board (Barb) has now revealed the consolidated viewing figures, which incorporate playback of content within seven days of the original broadcast.
The X-Files stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson (Channel 5)
The first episode of The X-Files consolidated to 5.1 million and a 19 per cent share of the television audience, breaking a record for the broadcaster.
The previous best rating drama was crime series CSI, which averaged 4.5 million and a 17.8 per cent share in 2009.
The six-episode series reunites David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in their famous roles as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi_9YuMynW0&feature=oembed
It’s the first time the duo have been on the small screen in The X-Files since 2002.
The revival, executive produced by series creator Chris Carter, has also been a ratings success in the US for the Fox network.
According to US audience measurement company Nielsen, the premiere of The X-Files drew an audience of 16.2 million viewers.
Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny (Omar Vega/AP)
The X-Files originally premiered in September 1993. At its peak in 1997 and 1998, The X-Files averaged 19.8 million, with the series finale in 2002 drawing 13.2 million.
Its all-time high in the US was the 1997 episode Leonard Betts, which averaged an impressive 29.1 million viewers. The sci-fi series, revolving around paranormal phenomena, had been given the valued post-Super Bowl slot that year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGqhvagUBsw&feature=oembed
Over the course of its nine-season run, the acclaimed series became a global hit, and one of the most successful television dramas of all time.
Channel 5 also enjoyed solid ratings with the reimagining of US sci-fi series Heroes, now Heroes Reborn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dJwEiTI_hw&feature=oembed
The revival, which features original cast members Jack Coleman and Masi Oka, launched on 5STAR to 341,000 viewers and a 1.6 per cent share of the TV audience.
