ABC's TO TELL THE TRUTH Draws Its Biggest Audience This Season

ABC Sunday Prime (7:00-11:00 p.m. - 4.4 million and 1.0/3 in AD18-49): Opposite competition including the "Miss Universe Pageant" on FOX and the NFL PRO BOWL on ESPN, ABC's Sunday increased over the last time it was all original (on 1/15/17) by 26% in Total Viewers (4.4 million vs. 3.5 million) and by 43% in Adults 18-49 (1.0/3 vs. 0.7/2). ABC was the No. 2 broadcaster on the night in Adults 18-49, tying CBS' first-run schedule ("60 Minutes"/"NCIS: LA"/"Madam Secretary"/"Elementary").

Leading off ABC's night at 7:00 p.m., "America's Funniest Home Videos" spiked over its last original in Total Viewers (+54% - 6.3 million vs. 4.1 million) and Adults 18-49 (+71% - 1.2/4 vs. 0.7/2), drawing its 2nd largest audience this season and a new season high with young adults.

At 8:00 p.m., ABC's "To Tell the Truth" built over its most recent first-run airing in the slot by 18% in Total Viewers (4.7 million vs. 4.0 million) and by 25% in Adults 18-49 (1.0/3 vs. 0.8/2), scoring its most watched telecast this season.

At 9:00 p.m., ABC's second episode of "To Tell the Truth" grew from its last original in the hour by 11% in Total Viewers (4.1 million vs. 3.7 million) and by 25% in Adults 18-49 (1.0/3 vs. 0.8/2). The ABC game show beat CBS' "Madam Secretary" in the hour by 11% with Adults 18-49 (1.0/3 vs. 0.9/3).

In the 10 o'clock hour, ABC's "Conviction" returned to original with its season finale building by double digits in Total Viewers (+14% - 2.5 million vs. 2.2 million) and Adults 18-49 (+25% - 0.5/2 vs. 0.4/1).

A note about DVR penetration: DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample is currently at 49% 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, 1/29/17.

Photo credit: ABC/ Lisa Rose and Sven Frenzel

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