Dexter's Ratings Are Bloody Good

Dexter courtesy Peter Iovino/Showtime

Perhaps bolstered by a free Showtime preview weekend, Dexter on Sunday became the cabler's first series to deliver a million-plus with a premiere, drawing 1.09 million total viewers in its Season 2 bow. That's a 67 percent improvement on the series' launch, and 40 percent above its S1 average. Including the 11 pm encore adds another 414,000.

Brotherhood in turn returned to an audience of 371K (versus the 207 thou who showed for its series debut). To offset the audience dropoff between Dex and the Caffreys, Variety says, Showtime plans to cut the seven-minute break between shows this weekend.

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Oct 2, 2007 8:49 PM

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For once I would like to know just how many subscribers Showtime actually has, it seems like these people aren't even watching programs they actually pay for. Over the past 2 years I've been a lot more satisfied with my Showtime subscription than my HBO subscription.
Posted by 525600min Oct 3, 2007 1:00 AM Report Abuse

Dexter's first season finale had 1.1 million total viewers so I have to admit that I am a little disappointed by these numbers. I thought the free weekend preview would push it closer to 2 million. I am now convinced that no matter how good Showitme is in its original programming it will never be able to catch up with HBO as far as ratings are concerned. Even The Wire had 1.5 million in its season four premier.

Posted by Chris Kw.

Oct 3, 2007 9:12 AM

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I'm a huge fan of shows on HBO and Showtime and will NEVER go without either. Dexter kicks ass!
Posted by KAD Oct 3, 2007 9:33 AM Report Abuse

I ordered Showtime on Sunday just so we could watch Dexter during its run. No more bit-torrenting the best show on tv! I think it’s amazing that so few people watch such a stellar show. No wonder Michael C. Hall and Dexter were snubbed for the Emmy nod. Pathetic.
Posted by Calamity Jane Oct 3, 2007 9:47 AM Report Abuse

I too ordered Showtime on Sunday just so I could watch Dexter. It's an awesome show.
Posted by Bowmissy Oct 3, 2007 10:01 AM Report Abuse

I have just switched back to Showtime after watching HBO for sometime, and I have to agree with 525600min...it has some of the best shows around..I got hooked on the Tudors, hooked on Weeds, hooked on Dexter and the Brotherhood....keep going Showtime & people out there, please give this channel a try...you will not be sorry!!!
Posted by monidj Oct 3, 2007 11:27 AM Report Abuse

How miserable is it that some show called "Rock of Love" on Vh-1 got 4 million more viewers than Dexter?

I know you can't compare premium cable outings with regular cable, but sheesh. That's just alarming.

And that that stupid Caveman show gets 9 million viewers to Dex's 1 mil is equally as disturbing.

I guess making quality tv is at times a completely thankless job.

Well, I just have to say thanks to the entire Dexter creative team for keeping ME so wonderfully entertained.

Posted by Calamity Jane

Oct 3, 2007 12:28 PM

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I think the problem with Showtime is their marketing sucks. You never seem to hear about Showtime shows with anywhere near the level of exposure HBO gives a lot of it's shows.
Posted by wildbill Oct 3, 2007 2:01 PM Report Abuse

I think Matt's explanation on the podcast is probably correct; when people decide to buy a premium movie channel they just default to HBO. Then if they want a second they get Showtime. Probably most people who buy the premium movie channels do so for movies, not the original series.
Posted by philly Oct 3, 2007 9:05 PM Report Abuse

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