You may think whatever you want about the latest revival trend in television, but the numbers say this is a way to go. ABC’s Roseanne revival premiered on Tuesday night with a highly anticipated two episodes special and it was an absolute success. The first episode of the revival attracted 17.7 million viewers overall, while the second upped that number to 18.6 million viewers overall. The two episodes averaged 18.2 million viewers (with 5.1 rating in 18-49 demographic) and became the most viewed debut television program in this season, jumping over the first episode of CBS’ hit comedy Young Sheldon which had 17.2 million viewers.
But wait, there is more. The revival’s premiere is also the second highest rated scripted television program of the season (behind This Is Us post-Super Bowl episode) and highest rated comedy since the season eight premiere of The Big Bang Theory. Finally, the first two episodes of Roseanne revival topped the original’s series finale from 1997 with 10 percent audience increase.
The show’s creator Roseanne Barr went on Twitter after finding out the news and thanked the audience for the support.
I am so greatful to the fans of the Roseanne show for giving it a good Premiere rating. You are all wonderful-here is to making America laugh & talk again! LOVE U
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) March 28, 2018
Barr recently spoke about the possibility that Roseanne revival gets a season two order, saying everything depends on the response of the audience.
“We’d love it to continue if people like it, then we hope it will,” said Barr to E! News.
Well, if that is all the show needs to get the season two order, then we can already call it a done deal.
