TNT's MAJOR CRIMES Returns to 6.7 Million Viewers

TNT's packed summer slate got off to a roaring start last night, with the hit series Major Crimes scoring a total of 6.7 million viewers for its season 3 premiere and encore, and the powerful new drama Murder In The First garnering 4.9 million viewers for its series debut and encore. Both series now sit atop this year's ratings charts for premieres. Major Crimes, which drew 5.2 million viewers at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) now ranks as basic cable's #1 scripted season premiere for the year-to-date. Murder in the First, which brought in 3.8 million viewers at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), ranks as the #1 new series launch on basic cable so far this year.

On the demo front, Major Crimes took in combined deliveries of 1.6 million adults 18-49, including 1.2 million for the 9 p.m. season premiere, and 2 million adults 25-54, including 1.5 million for the premiere. The Steven Bochco-produced Murder In The First clocked in with a total of 1.1 million adults 18-49 (808,000 for its 10 p.m. launch telecast) and 1.4 million adults 25-54 (1.1 million for the launch). The premiere telecast now ranks as one of the year's Top 10 new series launches on basic cable with adults 18-49 and adults 25-54.

Major Crimes chalked up across-the-board growth compared to last summer's season 2 premiere. The 9 p.m. telecast grew by +3% among total viewers, +6% among adults 25-54 and +1% among adults 18-49. The combined premiere and encore audience was also up by +3% compared to last year.

"Last night was a terrific opening night for TNT's summer lineup, as well as the start of what's certain to be a summer of outstanding TNT dramas," said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). "We are extremely proud of these two series. Major Crimes is a true mega-hit as it enters its third season, with an ensemble cast that's second to none. Murder In The First is off and running with an utterly captivating mystery brought to life by an amazing cast."

Major Crimes premiered in 2012 and finished its first season as basic cable's #1 new drama of the year. In its second season, the show ranked as one of basic cable's Top 10 original series of 2013.

Murder in the First, which delivered TNT's biggest audience for a new series launch in two years, is the network's first crime drama to focus on a single investigation across the entire season. TNT has secured an expanded on-demand window for the series. All 10 episodes of the first season will be made available the day after they premiere on the network and will remain available through the end of the season, giving viewers plenty of opportunities to catch up on past episodes.

This summer, TNT is rolling out a total of nine scripted original series, more than any other basic cable network in history. In addition to Major Crimes and Murder in the First, the slate includes season 5 of Rizzoli & Isles and season 3 of Perception, premiering next Tuesday night; the action-packed series The Last Ship and season 4 of the epic hit Falling Skies, premiering Sunday, June 22; the powerful undercover drama Legends and season 4 of Franklin & Bash, premiering Wednesday, Aug. 13; and the second half Dallas season 3, premiering Monday, Aug. 18. TNT will also launch new episodes of its acclaimed real-life investigation series, Cold Justice, beginning Friday, June 20.

"Last night was just the beginning," said Wright. "We are confident there's going to be a lot more chart-topping success for TNT throughout the summer and beyond thanks to our diverse slate of returning hits and bold new dramas."

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