VH1 Drives Primetime Viewership Gains in 2011

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To Tweet This Release: http://on.vh1.com/vh12011

VH1 increased viewership across the board in 2011, fueled by such hit original series as the scripted "Single Ladies," the year's 3rd highest rated new basic cable series "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle," social media darling "Basketball Wives" and viewer favorite "Love & Hip Hop."  

VH1's total viewer impressions in primetime for 2011 are up 6%, averaging 532,000 viewers.  Impressions for viewers in the 18-49 demo are up +8%, averaging 344,000 viewers.  The increases are even higher in the women demos -- up +15% among women 18-49 and up +13% among women 18-34. 

The network's momentum built as the year progressed.  Primetime ratings in the 18-49 adult demo in the fourth quarter have increased 50% compared to the same time period in 2010, averaging a .3.  Viewership impressions for the same group and time period increased 38%, averaging 363,000 viewers.  As a result, VH1 will finish fourth quarter as the #1 non-sports cable network among women 18-49 on Monday nights. 

The growth was even stronger among women viewers.  VH1 averaged a .5 in the Women 18-49 demo, up +67% compared to the same time period last year.  The network saw a +50% increase in Women 18-34 ratings, averaging a .6 with this group.

In 2011, VH1 experienced hyper social growth, including attracting a total of 5 million Facebook fans, a 1700% year-over-year growth; and consistently ranking as a top 10 brand on Foursquare.  Several of VH1's shows trended regularly on Twitter including Mob Wives, Basketball Wives and Love & Hip Hop. As a result, VH1 garnered the distinction as one of the most social television networks by Trendrr, a list it actually topped in July. In addition, VH1 saw significant growth across its multiple platforms and screens. VH1 Digital generated a +28% increase in video streams year-over-year, while VH1 Mobile drove a +21% increase in monthly visitors to the mobile over the past year.

Below are additional show highlights for VH1 this past year:

• The first two episodes of "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle" premiered on December 5, making VH1 the #1 non-sports cable network of the night.  The first episode scored a 1.9 in the 18-49 demo, while the second episode rose to a 2.0 in the demo.  The premiere episode attracted 4.3 million total viewers when combined with its 11PM* encore.  The second episode brought in over 4.5 million total viewers when combined with its 11:30 PM encore.  The series currently ranks as the 3rd highest rated new basic cable series for 2011.
• Premiere episodes of the second season of "Love & Hip Hop" have been averaging a 1.9, placing the show as the #8 highest rated series on cable for the year. 
• The third season finale of "Basketball Wives "on August 8 scored a 1.6 in the key P18-49 demo making it the highest rated VH1 telecast since May 2009 and attracted 2.6 million total viewers. When combined with its 10PM* encore episode, the series brought in 4.6 million total viewers to VH1 Monday night.  "Basketball Wives" was also rated the most social primetime program in July according to SocialGuide. The first-ever survey done by SocialGuide, tracks cable networks and its social data sourced (Twitter, Facebook, including total comments, unique commenters, and average followers per unique).
• The season finale of VH1's first hour-long scripted series "Single Ladies " also drew a season-high 1.4 rating in the adult 18-49 demo and 2.2 million total viewers.  When combined with its 11PM* encore, "Single Ladies" drew in 3.3 million total viewers.  Across its movie and eight premieres, "Single Ladies" averaged 2.9 million total viewers for premiere and first encores.

For additional information on VH1 follow @VH1 on Twitter or "Like" VH1 on Facebook, and visit VH1.com for all the latest in music and celebrity news.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 98 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

*All times ET

Press Contact:

Brett Henne/VH1
212/846-6752
[email protected]  

SOURCE VH1