ABC's DANCING WITH THE STARS Debuts as Monday's No. 1 TV Series

With the 23rd season premiere of "DWTS" and the season finale of "The $100,000 Pyramid," ABC was Monday's top broadcaster in Total Viewers (9.9 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.7/6). ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" stood as Monday's No. 1 broadcast series in Total Viewers (12.2 million) and Adults 18-49 (2.1/7).

"Dancing with the Stars" (8:00-10:01 p.m. - 12.2 million and 2.1/7 in AD18-49): Building from its first hour to its second hour, ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" dominated NBC's "American Ninja Warrior" finale in the 2-hour time period by 6.3 million viewers (12.2 million vs. 5.9 million) and 24% in Adults 18-49 (2.1/6 vs. 1.7/6). Also from 8:00-10:00 p.m., "Dancing" eclipsed Fox's season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance" (2.3 million and 0.7/2).

In Adults 18-49, "DWTS" surged 17% from its Spring 2016 premiere (1.8/6 on 3/21/16) and held even with its year-ago September 2015 premiere (2.1/7 on 9/14/15).

Based on TV Playback for last season in Adults 18-49, "DWTS" gained +0.3 rating points from Live + Same Day to Live + 3 Day and +0.4 rating points in the Live + 7 Day averages.

Projections Rationale: Lifts vs. L+SD are based on the 2015-16 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.

A note about DVR penetration: DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample is currently at 49% in U.S. TV Homes. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which are increasingly not reflected in the overnight Live + Same Day numbers. As a result, the Live + 7 Day ratings are the most accurate measure to gauge the size of the TV audience.

Source: The Nielsen Company, National Live + Same Day Program Ratings, 9/12/16.

Photo courtesy of ABC

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