WEST PALM BEACH,FLA.: ION TV said it broke its own ratings records during the first three months of 2009. Primetime was up 26 percent for all households compared to 1Q08; and up 44 percent for adults 25-54. Growth for the 25-54 demo was most pronounced at the 10 p.m. hour, up 61 percent. (ION didn’t include total audience numbers for the period.)
ION said its top five most watched episodes ever all aired during the quarter. “NCIS” averaged over 1 million total viewers in first quarter, up 27 percent overall and up 31 percent among adults 25-54. “Boston Legal” grew 18 percent overall and 17 percent among those 25-54.
ION’s lineup is mostly off-network series, including “ER,” and soon, “Ghost Whisperer” and “Criminal Minds.” Three original Canadian dramas are on the slate for fall, as is the network’s first original movie. ION last month announced its intention to develop and produce 12 movies a year, with the first one to air later this year.
ION is also planning to take its main and multicast networks hi-def this year.
