Original Series Scores Record Ratings Success For Network
New York, NY, June 21, 2005 – WE: Women’s Entertainment announced today that the network received record ratings for the Sunday, June 19th, airing of its original series, “Bridezillas,” providing the network with its highest rated telecast to date for the 04-05 programming season and marking a rapid increase in viewership for the program. Now in its second season, “Bridezillas” examines brides-to-be who go from sweet to certifiable while planning their big day.
The following are highlights of the ratings success:
- 0.64 HH rating, a +52% increase over the previous episode on Sunday, June 12 (0.27).
- Highest rated telecast in the 04-05 season-to-date and 2005 year-to-date
- Second highest rated original telecast in the history of WE ratings (12/31/01- 6/19/05).
“Bridezillas’ is breaking through within the television landscape and we are very excited with the success we are seeing,” stated Kim Martin, WE’s General Manager & Executive Vice President. “During my first six months as WE’s General Manager, the network has been committed to producing quality original programs. Today’s announcement signifies that our plan is not only taking shape, but also driving the network towards future success.”
During Kim Martin’s six-month tenure as WE’s General Manager, 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.
The second season of the original series received huge promotional support from WE, including a national consumer marketing campaign, press outreach, and a buzz-generating live NYC stunt. The marketing campaign featured TV, radio, print, online and outdoor executions as well as an exclusive online sneak peek on AOL.com. WE also hosted “WE’s $50K Cake Dash” on June 7 in Times Square, NYC. 20 lucky brides-to-be were given the chance to win $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.
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, 6/19/05 Bridezillas 10p Telecast, WE Original Telecasts from 12/31/01- 6/19/05.