New York, NY, August 3, 2005 – WE: Women’s Entertainment announced today that the network received record ratings with the season 2 finale of its hit show, “Bridezillas” (10p-11p), Sunday, July 31. The finale of the network’s popular series garnered a stellar 0.71 HH rating, marking it as the highest rated original telecast in WE’s history. “Bridezillas,” in its second season on WE: Women’s Entertainment, is a tongue-in-cheek look at brides-to-be who go from sweet to certifiable while planning their big day.
The following are highlights of the ratings success:
- Ratings grew by +69% from the premiere telecast on 6/12/05 (0.42) to the finale on 7/31/05 (0.71)
- The median age for Bridezillas Season 2 is a highly desirable 36.8
- Season 2 of Bridezillas is the highest rated original series in WE’s history to-date (12/31/01-7/31/05)
- The stellar 0.71 HH rating reflects a +195% increase over the season 1 finale
The second season of the original series received substantial promotional support from WE, including national consumer advertising, major public relations efforts, and a live NYC stunt that generated strong media buzz.
The marketing campaign featured TV, radio, print, online and outdoor executions as well as an exclusive online sneak peek on AOL.com. The “WE $50K Cake Dash” on June 7 in Times Square, NYC featured 20 lucky brides-to-be competing for $50,000 for their dream wedding by diving into NYC’s largest-ever wedding cake. The live stunt generated national press attention and was featured on top news outlets, including Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and ESPN Sports Center.
The record ratings score with “Bridezillas” is the latest success of General Manager Kim Martin. During Martin’s first six months on the job, she launched the network’s first-ever national public affairs campaign, WE Empowers Women; has greenlit several new series, including “American Princess” and “I Can’t Believe I Wore That…” among others; and produced three live on-air events, the networks first-ever live programming. The live shows included: LIVE ON WISTERIA LANE, a post-show special immediately following the season finale of Desperate Housewives; LIVE FROM THE LADIES ROOM featuring commentary from comedian Sandra Bernhard and celebrity stylist Lloyd Boston during the breaks of the Academy Awards?; and exclusive BBC1 coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Ms. Camilla Parker Bowles.
About WE: Women’s Entertainment
WE: Women’s Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services, which also includes AMC and IFC Companies. WE: Women’s Entertainment features the largest collection of women’s interest films, inspiring original series and topical specials. The network is currently available in over 55 million homes.
Source: Nielsen Media Research, Bridezillas Su 10p Telecasts 6/12/05-7/31/05, WE Original Telecasts from 12/31/01- 7/31/05; Median age based on P2+