DANCING WITH THE STARS' Disney-Themed Telecast Hits Season Highs

Featuring Disney Night on "Dancing with the Stars" and "Castle," ABC was Monday's most watched TV network (10.4 million) and again ran a strong No. 2 in Adults 18-49 (1.7/6). In addition, ABC tied NBC for No. 1 on Monday in Adults 18-34 while leading with Women 18-34 and Kids 2-11. In fact, "Dancing" was the night's most watched television show overall and also topped NBC's "The Voice" to rank as Monday's top-rated program in Adults 18-34.

"Dancing with the Stars" (8:00-10:00 p.m. - 12.4 million and 2.0/7 in AD18-49):
From 8:00-10:00 p.m., ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" was Monday's most watched TV series for the 4th straight week, outdrawing NBC's "The Voice" by a season best 2.2 million viewers (12.4 million vs. 10.2 million). In addition, "Dancing" nearly tied "The Voice" in Adults 18-49 (2.0/7 vs. 2.2/7) for its closest finish this season, while beating "The Voice" in the 2-hour time slot with Adults 18-34, Women 18-34, Men 18-34 and Kids 2-11.

"Dancing" was up week to week in Total Viewers (+6%) and Adults 18-49 (+18%), hitting a season high with young adults. Disney Night on "DWTS" also grew to season bests with Adults 18-34, Adults 25-54, Teens 12-17 and Kids 2-11.

"Castle" (10:00-11:00 p.m. - 6.5 million and 1.1/4 in AD18-49):
During the 10:00 p.m. hour, ABC's "Castle" outdrew NBC's "Blindspot" for its 3rd straight first-run airing in Total Viewers (+14% - 6.5 million vs. 5.7 million). "Castle" held even week to week in Adults 18-49 (1.1/4).

"Castle" Live + 7 Season to Date: On average this season, "Castle" delivers a 2.0 rating among Adults 18-49 in the Live + 7 Day data, representing an +82% jump over its L+SD average (1.1 rating).

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, 4/11/16.

Photo credit: ABC/ Adam Taylor*

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