History's reality crossover event on July 11 powered the channel to its best ever week in primetime.
The A&E Networks outlet said it averaged 2.59 million viewers July 11-17, 8-11 p.m., including 1.11 million adults ages 18-49, 1.23 million adults ages 25-54 and 779,000 men ages 25-54. The network's previous best week in primetime was June 13-19, 2011. History trailed only USA Network among ad-supported basic networks in primetime last week.
"Pick, Pawn and Polish" led the way for History. The two-hour crossover combination of Pawn Stars, American Pickers and American Restoration episodes averaged 6.7 million total viewers, including 3.1 million adults 25-54 and 2.9 million adults 18-49.
Pawn Stars averaged nearly 7.6 million viewers in the 10:30-11 p.m. slot (Nielsen live plus same day figures), the second-best delivery for the show and for the network.
Through Thursday, each program aired their respective episode of the crossover four times. Through those 12 airings, the episodes reached 24 million total viewers, History said, citing live plus same-day figures.
According to History, in the two-hour special event, the colorful characters who populate these hit series work together to find, purchase and bring back to life the ultimate American artifact: a rare model 1957 Chevy.
It begins when American Pickers Mike and Frank are on the road in Arizona when they get a call from Danielle about a high-profile client, Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison. He wants a particular model of the classic '57 Chevy for the Old Man's 70th birthday. Mike and Frank find one, but it needs a complete overhaul.
They meet at Rick Dale's restoration shop to inspect the dilapidated jalopy, then sparks fly as the American Pickers and the Pawn Stars get into tough negotiations to close a deal and make the car look and drive like new in time for the Old Man's party.
