'Drake and Josh' take 1m for Nickelodeon

The fourth series of daily teen sitcom Drake and Josh achieved record ratings for Nickelodeon this Easter.

More than 1 million kids aged 4-15 years tuned in to watch the new series during its opening week.

The show took its highest kids’ audience share of 11.5% in the 9am slot and helped the channel become the top rated kids’ channel in cable and satellite homes during the second week of Easter.

Filmed in the US, the show features two San Diego suburban teenagers, played by Drake Bell and Josh Peck, who become stepbrothers when their parents marry.

Howard Litton, SVP and managing director Nickelodeon UK, said: "Drake and Josh brilliantly showcases a very high quality of scripted comedy for kids. The success of the series premiere coupled with the channel's brand new Australian fantasy-drama H20, contributed to Nickelodeon’s highest rating week since 2004. We’re thrilled with the Easter launch."

Awarded the Bafta Children's Channel of the Year award, Nickelodeon UK networks is the UK’s top rated commercial kids’ network.