Salem, WGN America’s first original scripted series, drew 1.5 million total viewers live-plus-same day for its premiere Sunday night at 10 p.m.—the biggest audience for a WGN America telecast in seven years. Over four viewings, the series drew 2.3 million viewers.
The series, which chronicles the 17th-century Salem witch trials, also drew 647,00 adult 18-49 viewers, a whopping 635% increase of the network’s season to average in the demo during the Sunday 10 p.m. time slot, according to network officials. The series premiere ranks as the network’s best performing telecast in more than seven years.
“We are thrilled with the audience turnout and reaction to Salem,” said Matt Cherniss, president and general manager for WGN America and Tribune Studios in a statement. “These numbers far exceeded our expectations … we look forward to seeing these numbers grow over the next few days with time shifting.”
