ABC's THE STORY OF DIANA Opens at No. 1 in Its Time Period in Viewers

Surging over its lead-in on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. (+91%/+25%), the opening night of THE STORY OF DIANA made ABC the most watched network in the 2-hour slot (6.1 million) against NBC's "America's Got Talent" and comedy finales, and nearly tied for No. 1 with Adults 18-49 (1.0/4 vs. 1.1/5). The 2-night ABC documentary event marks the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic passing at 36 years old. From its first hour to second hour, "The Story of Diana" shot up by nearly 1.0 million viewers (5.7 million to 6.6 million) and dominated the 10 o'clock hour in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49.

Part 1 of "The Story of Diana" delivered ABC's biggest overall non-sports oriented summertime audience in the 2-hour slot in 9 summers - since 6/10/09.

Editors please note: Part 2 of ABC's "The Story of Diana" airs tonight, Thursday, 8/10/17, from 9:00-11:00 p.m.

Projections Rationale: Lifts vs. L+SD are based on the 2016-17 season for premiere telecast or an average for originals (excluding the premiere).
Returning shows: Profile based on same show (either premiere or averages for originals).
New Series: Based on similar series.

Source: The Nielsen Company, Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings, 8/9/17.

Photo credit: Disney|ABC