Third Season Premiere of Sons of Anarchy Delivered 4.13 million Total Viewers

The third season premiere episode of Sons of Anarchy got off to an great start last night delivering 4.13 million Total Viewers and 2.81 million Adults 18-49. It ranks as the third most-watched episode of Sons, just behind the season 2 premiere and season 2 finale. SOA's season three premiere episode is the most-watched basic cable scripted series telecast in Adults 18-49 in 2010 (See ranker below). Last night's episode of SOA was its most-watched telecast ever in all three key women demos (W25-54, W18-49, W18-34).

Compared to its season 2 premiere, the SOA season 3 debut eased-4% in Total Viewers (4,134 vs. 4,290) and -7% in Adults 18-49 (2,814 vs. 3,028). Compared to its complete season 2 average, last night's episode posted increases of +13% in Total Viewers (4,134 vs. 3,667) and +10% among Adults 18-49 (2,814 vs. 2,564).

Important to remember that the complete story remains to be told - year-over-year, DVR penetration in FX's universe is up +14% (41% vs. 36% U.S.) - and so the additional time-shifted viewing data available in a couple of weeks will complete the picture. (On a Live+7 basis, season 2 of Sons of Anarchy averaged 4.3 million Total Viewers and 3.1 million Adults 18-49).