'Mad Men' returns to series-high ratings

It's no 'Walking Dead,' but 'Mad Men' experiences double-digit growth

By Daniel Fienberg Monday, Mar 26, 2012 2:29 PM

Christina Hendricks and John Slattery in the "Mad Men" premiere

Credit: AMC

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A 17-month absence for "Mad Men" made many hearts grow fonder, as the Emmy-winning AMC drama launched its fifth season on Sunday (March 25) night to series-high ratings.

Sunday's two-hour premiere averaged 3.5 million viewers. "Mad Men" also averaged 1.7 million viewers among adults 25-54. While those numbers sound low if you've been paying attention to the massive outpouring of popular support for "Walking Dead" this season, it was the most watched "Mad Men" episode in both measures and was up 21 percent from the Season 4 premiere in total viewers and 17 percent in the show's core demo.

The figures prompted an effusive piece of blurbage from AMC President Charlie Collier.

"Almost five years ago, with a focus on distinction and quality, AMC launched 'Mad Men' as the first series in its commitment to original scripted dramatic television. 'Mad Men' is the only cable drama to ever win the Emmy award for outstanding drama series four years in a row and the Golden Globe for best television drama series for three years in a row. 'Mad Me' set the bar high and we are incredibly proud that it continues to engage audiences looking for unexpected, unconventional and uncompromising television," states Collier, AMC's president. "For each of the five 'Mad Men' seasons Matthew Weiner and his team have crafted a beautifully told story and each season a larger audience has responded; a rare accomplishment. We couldn’t be more proud of this program, the brilliant writers, cast and crew, and the entire team on each side of the camera."

Want more "Mad Men" figures? When you add in the show's 11 p.m. encore airing, the premiere audience rises to 4.4 million. Also, while the 25-54 audience was only up by 17 percent, "Mad Men" actually rose 30 percent among adults 18-49 with 1.6 million viewers.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.

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Discuss TV Ratings on HitFix Message Boards »

Ben

17 month hiatus likely was a very good thing for this show. People who hadn't previously watched the show (like me) had ample time to catch up on all 4 seasons and watch live for the first time season 5.
March 26, 2012 at 3:07PM EST Reply to Comment
Jim

So when does the west coast watch? Is there a west coast feed of AMC?
March 26, 2012 at 3:30PM EST Reply to Comment
sedeyus

I think Matt Weiner mentioned how Netflix could be very good for this show.
March 26, 2012 at 4:15PM EST Reply to Comment
- mrbilliam I watched the entire show via Netflix streaming this winter and tuned in to the new season live (I don't have a Nielsen box, but apparently others were doing the same).
  March 26, 2012 at 4:37PM EST
TheVodkaParty

The Mad Men season 5 premiere didn’t disappoint, especially with Megan's sexy serenade. It may have fast-forwarded to 1966, but memories of the long delay since season 4 melted away in the first few minutes. The period detail was again magnificent from every satin frock to every madras print to every cocktail in every glass. The new seasons promises to be another stunner. To get into the mood for future episodes, I’ve put together some tips on vintage Mad-Men era party-throwing at: http://thevodkaparty.com/how-to-throw-an-authentic-mad-men-era-cocktail-party-the-inside-skinny/
March 26, 2012 at 7:26PM EST Reply to Comment
artfuldater

I'm watching the episode again right now. What was your favorite part? Mine was definitely: http://www.artfulonlinedating.com/32612-man-men-premier-awesomeness/
March 26, 2012 at 11:21PM EST Reply to Comment

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'Mad Men' returns to series-high ratings

It's no 'Walking Dead,' but 'Mad Men' experiences double-digit growth