TNT’s new series, Steven Bochco’s “Raising the Bar,” set a record for cable by attracting 7.7 million viewers for its premiere.
The premiere outpaced the previous mark set by USA Network’s “The 4400,” which drew 7.4 million viewers in 2004. The biggest launch so far this season was USA’s “In Plain Sight,” which drew 5.3 million viewers.
“Raising the Bar” got a boost from its lead-in, “The Closer,” which has been averaging 7.2 million viewers this season.
“Raising the Bar” drew a 5 national household rating and 2.8 million adults in the 18- to 49-year-old demographic.
“We are proud ‘Raising the Bar’ is off to such a strong start, with a record-breaking series premiere,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “‘Raising the Bar’ is an important part of TNT’s ongoing plans to take on broadcast networks by increasing our lineup of high-profile, original series.”
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Comments (4)
It was as if Bochco pulled out an old ,used script, tried bringing it up to date to give some of his actor friends a series for old time sake. It was mis-cast, over the top, bad acting, accept for one actress, Gloria Reuben, who should have played the lead in this production. She is an under rated and beautiful actress who is going to waste in this project.
I give it 3-5 weeks unless it is a fill order to take up precious time.
Posted by M. cushman | September 2, 2008 1:24 PM
Bochco has my vote for the Fall to settle in, establish the ensemble and then I'll share my written opinion.
Peter Bright
Posted by Peter Bright | September 2, 2008 2:01 PM
I liked raising the bar....It has its rough spots that i hope gets ironed out next week
Posted by reddot | September 2, 2008 2:12 PM
"The Closer" is my favorite show on television, so obviously I have been bombarded with promos for "Raising the Bar" whenever I tune in to watch it (or any other show on TNT for that matter). However, I must admit, I really enjoyed the series premiere of "Bar." Although in the beginning I found it a little difficult to seperate the actors from previous roles on TV, the characters on this show are so vastly different from that of Zack Morris ("Saved by the Bell") and Lois ("Malcolm in the Middle") that it became easier to distinguish these new characters as unique and original. I'm looking forward to seeing how this season progresses and hopefully its success will continue. My only suggestion:Mark-Paul Gosselaar, cut your hair!
Posted by Casey | September 2, 2008 3:48 PM