BBC America is now available in more than 50 million American households, the channel announced today.

On the same day that it announced a raft of programme acquisitions, it said that ratings were up 12% in total viewers and 16% in adults 25-54 over last year.

"I'm delighted that BBC America is delivering such a strong line up to more homes than ever before," said BBC America general manager Kathryn Mitchell. "Our ratings demonstrate that there’s a real hunger for the range and quality of our distinctive comedies and dramas."