MAD MEN Returns To 3.4 Million Viewers

Photo: Michael Yarish/AMC

Last night, from 9-11 p.m., AMC premiered season six of MAD MEN, delivering a 2.5 HH rating with 3.4 million viewers. Among the core demo of adults 25-54, MAD MEN delivered 1.7 million viewers. For adults 25-54, the series is up 30% when compared to season five's full series average, which was 1.3 million viewers. For total viewers, MAD MEN is up 29% when compared to season five's full series average, which was 2.6 million viewers. With Live+3, the series typically adds at least 1.2 million viewers.

MAD MEN season six premiere is currently listed on iTunes as #1 for Top TV Episodes and #1 for Top TV Seasons. MAD MEN marked its claim as the most upscale drama series on cable television, with 49% of its Adult 25-54 audience maintaining a household income of $100K+.

"MAD MEN has returned for a sixth season, and so has its passionate audience, the most upscale audience for drama on television. At a time when viewers have a variety of options in terms of how to watch their favorite shows, MAD MEN continues to drive an engaged audience to the live, water cooler event," said Charlie Collier, AMC's president. "This is a true testament to the power of this iconic series. Matthew Weiner and his remarkable writers, cast and crew have again delivered brilliant, distinctive television, and we are as excited as our viewers for another season."

Key Nielsen Highlights for MAD MEN's season six premiere:

· 9 p.m.: 2.5 HH rating with 3.4 million viewers
· 9 p.m.: 1.7 million Adults 25-54
· 9 p.m.: 1.4 million Adults 18-49

Source: The Nielsen Company. Live Same Day. Mad Men Season 6 Premiere (4/7/13). Mad Men Season 5 (3/25-6/10/12). % comp of A25-54 HHI $100K+ of Mad Men Season 5 compared to all basic cable original drama series with at least 10K impressions from 1Q11 through 6/10/12. Premiere episodes.