CBS's THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED AMERICA Delivers Impressive Ratings

By: Caryn Robbins Feb. 10, 2014

THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED America - A GRAMMY SALUTE delivered 13.95 million viewers, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for Sunday, Feb. 9.

From 8:00-10:30 PM, THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED America - A GRAMMY SALUTE (S) averaged 13.95 million viewers, 3.4/07 in adults 25-54 and 2.1/05 in adults 18-49 against strong competition which included the Olympics, the winter premiere of "The Walking Dead," "Downton Abbey" and other Sunday cable series.

THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED America - A GRAMMY® SALUTE featured today's top artists covering the songs performed by the "Fab Four" on that momentous evening along with other Beatles songs through the years, as well as footage from that landmark Sunday evening and other archival material. In addition, various presenters will help highlight and contextualize the musical, cultural and historical impact of the group and this legendary performance.

The Beatles' first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" is one of the most-watched television events ever, with 74 million people tuning in to watch the group perform five songs during the variety hour. It is considered by many historians and critics to be one of the most important moments in music and television.

"That night 50 years ago on the Ed Sullivan stage, the Beatles delivered a momentous performance, and America witnessed a historic television event and the beginning of a new era in music," said Jack Sussman, CBS Entertainment Executive Vice President of Specials & Events. "We are thrilled to honor these music legends with performances from amazing GRAMMY-winning artists who were influenced by The Beatles unforgettable music through the years and that incredible performance in 1964."

Photo credit: Jeffrey R. Staab/Cliff Lipson/CBS