WGN’s ‘Underground’ Premiere Sets Network Ratings Record

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WGN America’s drama series Underground generated 1.4 million viewers for last night’s premiere episode, setting a network ratings record for an original series, according to Nielsen.

The series, which which depicts slaves escaping along the 19th century’s Underground Railroad, bested the Jan. 26 premiere of network drama Outsiders, which drew 1 million viewers in its debut.

With replays, the March 9 Underground premiere averaged 2.5 million viewers for the night, according to Nielsen.

The series, executively produced by singer/writer John Legend, stars Jurnee Smollet-Bell and Aldis Hodge.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.