New York – May 21, 2018 – BBC AMERICA reached more than 11 million viewers Saturday for the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, the biggest audience in network history. 1.2 million viewers and 430,000 adults 25-54 watched the live ceremony on BBC AMERICA, during which it was a top three cable network on all of U.S. television for total viewers and adults 25-54 and #2 only to CNN among adults 18-49.
BBC AMERICA aired a live and direct simulcast of BBC ONE’s coverage with limited commercial breaks followed by wedding highlights and encore airings throughout the day on Saturday as the centerpiece of a week of celebratory programming. For the week, the network reached 17 million unique viewers with a variety of wedding-themed celebratory programming, leading up to the live event.
Remarked BBC AMERICA President Sarah Barnett: “It’s great to see U.S. audiences embrace BBC coverage of this very special event. American Meghan Markle marrying Prince Harry was a global moment that brought together aspects of their two cultures beautifully, and made for a compelling and moving day. We at BBCA loved being able to bring this event to our viewers.”
Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, 5/19/18, Time Period: Total Day (6a-3a), Ceremony (7a-8:15a), Live Feed, P2+. Weekly Reach = 5/15/18 10p–5/19/18 3a, 1 min qualifier, P2+.
BBC AMERICA is a hub of innovative, culturally contagious programming including the critically acclaimed series Killing Eve from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the Emmy® and IDA-winning Planet Earth II, the acclaimed Planet Earth: Blue Planet II, and the forthcoming next chapter in the epic story of our planet, Dynasty (w/t), the top-rated science-fiction phenomenon Doctor Who, the ground-breaking unscripted series Top Gear, the buzzy and hilarious The Graham Norton Show, as well as Premier League Darts. A joint venture between BBC Studios (the commercial arm of the BBC) and AMC Networks, BBCA’s influential shows such as Orphan Black and Luther, among many others, have attracted critical acclaim and earned Emmy® Awards, Peabody Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes®. Created in 1998, the irrepressible network has garnered one of cable’s most curious, educated and affluent audiences, with many properties boasting super-fan levels of engagement. Get caught up, BBCA offers full episodes On Demand across all major digital platforms, BBC AMERICA app and bbcamerica.com. Find out more by visiting press.bbcamerica.com and follow @BBCAmerica.