ABC's Sunday Dramas Return Strong Against Big Competition

Info on ABC's Sunday, ahead of the regular press release.

On its first telecast in 5 weeks opposite Fox's NFL Playoff-fueled lineup (NFC Wildcard Game) and original programming on NBC, the return of Once Upon a Time made ABC the most-watched TV network in Sunday's 8 o'clock hour and also led its time slot across all key Women (W18-34/W18-49/W25-54). On its return, Once Upon a Time more than tripled its Adult 18-49 lead-in (+244%) at 8pm to retain 100% of its last airing in the hour on December 2, 2012. In addition, the Disney-owned drama was up over its last telecast in Adults 18-34 (+4%) and Kids 2-11 (+14%), hitting its best numbers since the beginning of November - since 11/4/12.

Also returning after 5 weeks up against the NFL-driven competition and season premiere competition, ABC's Revenge held nearly all of its audience from its last telecast among Adults 18-49 (96%), while growing its Adult 25-54 delivery (+4%) to its highest rating since November 11, 2012. In the 9 o'clock hour, ABC's Revenge drew a larger audience than NBC's season opener of The Biggest Loser and Fox's comedies (Family Guy/American Dad).

Quick Take for Sunday, January 6, 2013 (Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings)

ABC's "Once Upon a Time" Returns as the Most-Watched TV Show In its Slot, Holding 100% in Adults 18-49 from its Last Airing And Growing in Adults 18-34 and Kids 2-11

At 9pm ABC's "Revenge" Outdraws NBC's "The Biggest Loser" Premiere, Retaining Nearly All of its Last Airing 5 Weeks Ago in Adults 18-49 and Up in Adults 25-54

"Once Upon a Time" (8:00-9:00 p.m.)

On its first telecast in 5 weeks opposite Fox's NFL Playoff-fueled lineup (NFC Wildcard Game) and original programming on NBC, the return of "Once Upon a Time" (9.0 million) made ABC the most-watched TV network in Sunday's 8 o'clock hour and also led its time slot across all key Women (W18-34/W18-49/W25-54). Among Adults 18-49, "Once Upon a Time" more than tripled its lead-in (+244% - 3.1/8 vs. 0.9/2) at 8:00 p.m. to retain 100% of its most recent delivery in the hour on December 2, 2012. In addition, the Disney-owned drama was up over its last telecast in Adults 18-34 (+4%) and Kids 2-11 (+14%), posting its best numbers since the beginning of November - since 11/4/12.

"Revenge" (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Also returning after a 5-week break against NFL-driven competition and season premiere programming, ABC's "Revenge" held nearly all of its Adult 18-49 audience from its last telecast (96% - 2.3/5 vs. 2.4/5), while growing its Adult 25-54 delivery (+4%) to its highest rating since November 11, 2012. In the 9 o'clock hour, ABC's "Revenge" (6.997 million) drew a larger audience than NBC's season opener of "The Biggest Loser" (6.976 million) and Fox's comedies ("Family Guy"/"American Dad" = 6.3 million).

A note about increasing DVR penetration and year-to-year rating comparisons: Year-to-year rating comparisons based on the Live + Same Day data stream are distorted by the level of DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample, which has jumped up to 46% currently, from 43% at the same point in 2011. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which may not be reflected in the overnight next day numbers. The only truly valid year-to-year comparison would be one based on the Live + 7 Day metric, once those stats are released by Nielsen.

Source: The Nielsen Company, Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings, 01/06/13.