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How is 'Prison Break' doing ratings-wise?
Published Wednesday, Sep 10 2008, 14:37 BST | By Neil Wilkes | 41 comments
Unfortunately, the same incline can't be attributed to its viewing figures. Last week's two-hour premiere drew an average of 6.5 million viewers in the US, down from the 7.5 million who tuned in for the season three premiere last year. To put that into context further, the second season premiere had 9.4 million and the first ever episode was seen by a mighty 10.5 million back in 2005.
This week's episode remained steady at 6.5 million and, while the figures are some of the lowest the show has ever logged, the programme is currently leading the night in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
Here in the UK, where the series airs on Sky1, the numbers are slightly different. The third series - as you'll recall, Five aired the show for the first two years - began with 459,000 viewers but over the course of the run the audience slowly dropped off to a low of 303,000 for February's finale. Overall, series three averaged 407,000 (2.2%). Of course these figures only take into account the overnight audience for the premiere showing on the linear channel.
Season four began last week with an average of 375,000 (2%) for the two-hour premiere. This increased slightly to 406,000 (2.6%) for last night's episode.
So, what do you think? Does Prison Break deserve a bigger audience? Add your comments to this entry below!
Your Views
41 Comments
Your Responses
Ashley, West Palm, Florida, on October 8th, 2008
I love the show and Wentworth Miller. He is an amazing actor and sooo sexy. Prison Break is amazing and everyone should watch it to see what happens to everyone. Besides the show is just awesome!!
I love the show and Wentworth Miller. He is an amazing actor and sooo sexy. Prison Break is amazing and everyone should watch it to see what happens to everyone. Besides the show is just awesome!!
Nina Ross, Los Angeles, on October 1st, 2008
Yes I have been watching Prison Break from season 1 until now, eventhough I missed a few episodes I still love the show. The ratings have decline dramatically, however Prison Break have still made it another season. US loyal fans just have to keep watching supporting our favorite show Prison Break. Nina
Yes I have been watching Prison Break from season 1 until now, eventhough I missed a few episodes I still love the show. The ratings have decline dramatically, however Prison Break have still made it another season. US loyal fans just have to keep watching supporting our favorite show Prison Break. Nina
Tony, Liverpool, on September 13th, 2008
I want them to set a deadline and finish on a high. As much as I'd like to see the series go on forever, the story lines will soon deteriorate (I'm not sure the writers expected there to be more than one season, really) and if rating keep getting worse and worse they'll soon get cancelled, which a series like Prison Break is far too good for and would deserve better. The LOST boys have got the right idea. The move to sky one has really hindered the series over here ratings-wise as I myself unfortunately subscribe to virgin and find myself downloading (legally, of course.. *cough*) episodes early on a Tuesday morning.
I want them to set a deadline and finish on a high. As much as I'd like to see the series go on forever, the story lines will soon deteriorate (I'm not sure the writers expected there to be more than one season, really) and if rating keep getting worse and worse they'll soon get cancelled, which a series like Prison Break is far too good for and would deserve better. The LOST boys have got the right idea. The move to sky one has really hindered the series over here ratings-wise as I myself unfortunately subscribe to virgin and find myself downloading (legally, of course.. *cough*) episodes early on a Tuesday morning.
Alan, Ireland, on September 11th, 2008
Not sure how the Irish ratings added up but this season is going to be way better than the other one, I had a feeling they would have to find some way of taking he map off of his body, there going to drag it on a bit with the other 5 cards to find, it better be something worth waiting for. anyway PRISON BREAK RULES
Not sure how the Irish ratings added up but this season is going to be way better than the other one, I had a feeling they would have to find some way of taking he map off of his body, there going to drag it on a bit with the other 5 cards to find, it better be something worth waiting for. anyway PRISON BREAK RULES
Vicky, Sheffield, on September 11th, 2008
I'm loving series 4 & i don't think the drop in ratings is a big worry i mean it happens alot with every show. Lost, Heroes & even X-files dropped ratings & that was HUGE!
I'm loving series 4 & i don't think the drop in ratings is a big worry i mean it happens alot with every show. Lost, Heroes & even X-files dropped ratings & that was HUGE!
Derek, Gravesend, Kent, on September 11th, 2008
season three did seem to lag but season 4 is brilliant but hope this is the last season bringing down the company to end the series would be great way to end show
season three did seem to lag but season 4 is brilliant but hope this is the last season bringing down the company to end the series would be great way to end show
Nick, Middlesex, on September 11th, 2008
Far better than the stupid Season 3. It has returned to some of the dark days of Season 1 and i have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 episodes of the new season. Nothing will ever beat S1 but at least now they have an objective and hopefully over the run of S4 we will find out all about the company. Great stuff so far.
Far better than the stupid Season 3. It has returned to some of the dark days of Season 1 and i have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 episodes of the new season. Nothing will ever beat S1 but at least now they have an objective and hopefully over the run of S4 we will find out all about the company. Great stuff so far.
Craig, Brisbane, Australia, on September 11th, 2008
As long as it keeps doing well in that 18-49 demo then FOX will be more than happy with it
As long as it keeps doing well in that 18-49 demo then FOX will be more than happy with it
Joe, Liverpool, on September 10th, 2008
How many times can they break out of prison or be on the run and still make it look fresh? Answer: Not many. This has been proved with PB, as it's become more and more ridiculous. Time to cancel it, methinks.
How many times can they break out of prison or be on the run and still make it look fresh? Answer: Not many. This has been proved with PB, as it's become more and more ridiculous. Time to cancel it, methinks.
Marek, on September 10th, 2008
The series have got worse as they have progressed. I have now given up on the show. I am also not bothering with 24 this year either as there are now better shows around.
The series have got worse as they have progressed. I have now given up on the show. I am also not bothering with 24 this year either as there are now better shows around.
Sarah, West Bromwich, on September 10th, 2008
I think it is fantastic, the best T.V program on at the moment, i think people should stop being so critical because they will only complain when it finishes!!
I think it is fantastic, the best T.V program on at the moment, i think people should stop being so critical because they will only complain when it finishes!!
K. Miller, on September 10th, 2008
I think "Prison Break" is impossible to 'get old'. But my sister, on the hand, thinks it is. I can see why she says it seems like the plot of the show is going nowhere, but that's what keeps the show alive!
I think "Prison Break" is impossible to 'get old'. But my sister, on the hand, thinks it is. I can see why she says it seems like the plot of the show is going nowhere, but that's what keeps the show alive!
Maria, Essex, on September 10th, 2008
I completely agree with Karen from Chester, moving to sky1 has a lot to do with the drop, I have sky+ and i skip through the adverts as well! I also know people who would rather buy the box set and watch all of it that way, rather than wait for a week. I still think it's underrated and should be advertised more!!
I completely agree with Karen from Chester, moving to sky1 has a lot to do with the drop, I have sky+ and i skip through the adverts as well! I also know people who would rather buy the box set and watch all of it that way, rather than wait for a week. I still think it's underrated and should be advertised more!!
Jax, London, on September 10th, 2008
The problem is the show lost a bucket load of viewers during season 3 so it was extremely unlikely to come back this year with strong ratings. IMHO, the test this season will be whether it can maintain the viewers that came back. I'm enjoying it so far so will stick with it for now. Word seems to be that it's probably the last season though and I think its probably for the best. Given the initial concept it was always going to be difficult to reboot the show each season without repeating itself. Personally I'd like to see it end this season with them finally taking down the Company and at least a few of the main characters getting a happy ending.
The problem is the show lost a bucket load of viewers during season 3 so it was extremely unlikely to come back this year with strong ratings. IMHO, the test this season will be whether it can maintain the viewers that came back. I'm enjoying it so far so will stick with it for now. Word seems to be that it's probably the last season though and I think its probably for the best. Given the initial concept it was always going to be difficult to reboot the show each season without repeating itself. Personally I'd like to see it end this season with them finally taking down the Company and at least a few of the main characters getting a happy ending.
Lily, Dublin, Ireland, on September 10th, 2008
Prison Break was the best show on TV for series 1 and even most of season 2, but season 3 was utter rubbish and this season looks worse, I love Wentworth Miller, but even I'm bored with his concentrated half whisper seriousness for just about everything...somebody give the guy another emotion pleaseeeee......
Prison Break was the best show on TV for series 1 and even most of season 2, but season 3 was utter rubbish and this season looks worse, I love Wentworth Miller, but even I'm bored with his concentrated half whisper seriousness for just about everything...somebody give the guy another emotion pleaseeeee......
Jerome, London, on September 10th, 2008
The problem is that Five should have kept it...DONE!!! Still a gd show dont know why people are moaning about it. So its less dramatic than the first two seasons and bits of the third but see it through to the end which hopefully is the end of season 4. R.I.P.
The problem is that Five should have kept it...DONE!!! Still a gd show dont know why people are moaning about it. So its less dramatic than the first two seasons and bits of the third but see it through to the end which hopefully is the end of season 4. R.I.P.
ZoeyAnn, Essex, on September 10th, 2008
I think the problem with the rating is nothing to the 10pm showing it was show at 10pm when it was on five! i think is due to fact a lot of people have virgin box rather than Sky 1 (I am a vrgin customer myself as well) and do not have the money to get Sky 1. I am very lucky that my Auntie who has sky 1 lets me go around her house every week to wacht it, and many people cannot have that. so therefore have to wait until it comes out on DVD!!
I think the problem with the rating is nothing to the 10pm showing it was show at 10pm when it was on five! i think is due to fact a lot of people have virgin box rather than Sky 1 (I am a vrgin customer myself as well) and do not have the money to get Sky 1. I am very lucky that my Auntie who has sky 1 lets me go around her house every week to wacht it, and many people cannot have that. so therefore have to wait until it comes out on DVD!!
Massir, London, on September 10th, 2008
Karen of Chester: Prison Break was on at 10pm on Channel 5 too.
Karen of Chester: Prison Break was on at 10pm on Channel 5 too.
Selena, Manchester, on September 10th, 2008
Prison Break is doomed by its nature. The initial concept of breaking out of prison cannot be sustained indefinitely and as a result none of the seasons will ever live up to the debut one. Season 2 about being on the run was fair but Season 3 having the main guys back in jail to break out again is pushing it too far. Now they have brought back a character who was beheaded last season. There's only so long you can suspend your disbelief before you realise it's now a load of rubbish.
Prison Break is doomed by its nature. The initial concept of breaking out of prison cannot be sustained indefinitely and as a result none of the seasons will ever live up to the debut one. Season 2 about being on the run was fair but Season 3 having the main guys back in jail to break out again is pushing it too far. Now they have brought back a character who was beheaded last season. There's only so long you can suspend your disbelief before you realise it's now a load of rubbish.
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Best show i have ever watched and i know its entirely up to the public viewers at the end of the day, but Prison Break definately deserves alot more viewers. that's my opinion Prison Break fan 4eva