CTV's Proven Hit Series Lead the Way for Another #1 Fall

- THE BIG BANG THEORY is Canada's most-watched program with 4.5 million viewers -
- CTV delivers 12 of Canada's Top 20 programs and wins six out of seven nights -
- Established hits deliver double-digit growth over last season -
- CTV maintains highest primetime average with 1.7 million viewers from 8-11 p.m. -
- CTV delivers four of Canada's Top 5 programs in key demos -
- CTV Two improves nightly averages with A18-34 and A18-49 compared to last fall -

To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/VeNP2S

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Three weeks into the fall television season, CTV is once again the #1 network in the country, powered by Canada's favourite hit series. Up from last season and on top of the charts for the third consecutive season is THE BIG BANG THEORY with 4.5 million viewers, holding firm to its claim as Canada's most-watched program, while GREY'S ANATOMY and TWO AND A HALF MEN also show significant growth over last fall season with 2.9 million viewers each. Clearly winning six out of seven nights with total viewers and A18-49, CTV also leads with more Top 20 programs than any other broadcaster in A25-54 and A18-49, and delivers four of the Top 5 programs among the key A25-54, A18-49, and A18-34 demos.

CTV continues to overwhelmingly deliver the largest average audience in primetime (7-11 p.m.), with 1.5 million viewers, a full 61% more than its closest competitor, Global (957,000). With the coveted A18-34 demo, CTV's lead over Global grows to 66%.

"With the majority of our new programs on deck to launch in mid-season, CTV's bench strength of proven, hit series is once again powering the network to another #1 fall season," said Phil King, President, CTV Programming and Sports. "Our strong fall will set the stage for a winning midseason lineup, featuring some of televisions most-anticipated series."

On CTV Two, the network enjoyed its most-watched series premiere ever last week when ARROW debuted to 1.1 million viewers. Meanwhile, the network is delivering additional million average audiences with results episodes for DANCING WITH THE STARS, THE VOICE, and THE X FACTOR. Overall, CTV Two has improved its primetime averages with A18-34 and A18-49 three nights of the week (Monday/Tuesday/Friday), compared to the same weeks last fall.

Audience data from the first three weeks of the fall season reveals CTV's strength by many measures:

#1 Program: An astronomical 4.5 million viewers are tuning in weekly to THE BIG BANG THEORY on CTV, up 18% compared to last fall, and remaining the #1 program in Canada.

• Four of the Top 5 programs: CTV delivers four of the Top 5 with A25-54, A18-49, and A18-34: THE BIG BANG THEORY (#1/#1/#1), TWO AND A HALF MEN (#2/#2/#3), GREY'S ANATOMY (#4/#3/#2) and THE AMAZING RACE (#5/#5/#5).
• Audience increases for key series: Established hits TWO AND A HALF MEN (+49%), FLASHPOINT (+13%), CRIMINAL MINDS (+10%), THE BIG BANG THEORY (+18%), GREY'S ANATOMY (+9%), and CASTLE (+5%) all delivered growth over last fall's season averages.
• Canadian success story: In its new premium Thursday at 10 p.m. timeslot, FLASHPOINT's final season is averaging 1.7 million viewers, up 13% from last fall's season average. Episode 2 (Oct. 4) made history as the first stand alone Canadian series in 16 years to win the prestigious 10 p.m. timeslot with overnight data in the fall season.
• Six out of seven nights: CTV wins primetime with the most viewers from 8-11 p.m. on six out of seven nights.
• 76% of primetime timeslots: Of the 21 primetime timeslots (8-11 p.m.) on the fall schedule, CTV wins 16 of 21 in total viewers; 14 of 21 for A25-54; 15 of 21 for A18-49; and 16 of 21 for A18-34.
• #1 in markets: CTV is #1 in primetime with all four metered markets with A18-49 and A25-54.

About CTV
CTV is Canada's largest private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV is Canada's most-watched television network. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at ctv.ca.

Source: BBM Canada, Fall 2012 (Sept. 24 - Oct. 14) vs. Fall 2011 (Sept. 19 - Dec. 11)

SOURCE: CTV

Matthew Almeida, CTV and CTV Two, 416.384.2629 or [email protected]
Jim Quan, CTV and CTV Two, 416.384.5311 or [email protected]