ABC's THE BACHELOR Ranks as #1; Outdelivers 'The Voice'

Opposite NBC's premiere of "The Voice" and the return of "Blindspot," ABC ran a strong No. 2 on Monday in Adults 18-49 (2.0/7), leading CBS by 43% (1.4/4) and FOX by 43% (1.4/4). Despite the increased competition from NBC week to week, ABC tied a Monday season high. The Net won the night with Adults 18-34 and Women 18-34.

Outdelivering NBC's "The Voice" premiere by 20% and 35%, respectively, ABC's "The Bachelor" was Monday's No. 1 TV series for the 9th week in a row in Adults 18-34 and Women 18-34.

"The Bachelor" (8:00-10:00 p.m. - 8.1 million and 2.5/8 in AD18-49):
Against NBC's "The Voice" premiere from 8:00-10:00 p.m., ABC's "The Bachelor" held steady with the prior week's season high in Adults 18-49 (2.5/8). With "The Bachelor" closing the gap, "The Voice" opener took a hit year to year, dropping by -6% in viewers (13.2 million vs. 14.0 million) and by -17% in young adults (3.4/11 vs. 4.1/12) from the year-ago premiere (on 2/23/15).

Among Adults 18-49 in Homes with $100K+ Annual Income (4.95 rating), ABC's "The Bachelor" ranks among the Top 5 broadcast entertainment series this season (behind only "The Big Bang Theory," "Modern Family" and "The X-Files," respectively) and No. 1 among unscripted series.

"Castle" (10:00-11:00 p.m. - 5.3 million and 1.1/4 in AD18-49):
At 10:00 p.m. after advancing 22% the prior week, ABC's "Castle" held even against NBC's "Blindspot" premiere with Adults 18-49 (1.1/4). The ABC drama ranked No. 2 in the hour with Adults 18-34 and all key Women (W18-34/W18-49/W25-54).

Projections Rationale:
Lifts vs. L+SD are based on the 2015-16 season for premiere telecast or an average for originals (excluding the premiere).
Returning shows: Profile based on same show (either premiere or averages for originals).
New Series: Based on similar series.

A note about DVR penetration: DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample is currently at 48% in U.S. TV Homes. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which are increasingly not reflected in the overnight Live + Same Day numbers. As a result, the Live + 7 Day ratings are the most accurate measure to gauge the size of the TV audience.

Source: The Nielsen Company, Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings, 2/29/16.

Image courtesy of ABC

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