Travel Channel ended 2016 on a high note during its December 25 - December 31 "Chillcation" ice-themed programming event - attracting more than five million viewers to special premieres of the network's popular series. The featured episode of "Expedition Unknown," airing on Wednesday, December 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed adventurer and EXPLORER Josh Gates on his search for new evidence around the now-extinct woolly mammoth. The episode surpassed the season average by 48 percent and ranked as the series' highest-rated episode ever. With over 1.3 million viewers tuning in, it was the number nine program among ad-supported cable networks in its timeslot - making Travel Channel a top 20 ad-supported network for the night. The episode delivered a 90 percent ratings increase from its year-ago timeslot levels and a 74 percent increase from the network's previous 6-week timeslot average.
"Chillcation" week propelled Travel Channel to its highest weekly prime ratings since March 2016. More than 1.1 million people tuned in to the Thursday, December 29, 9 p.m. ET/PT premiere of "Titanic: Mysteries at the Museum," which tackled the story of the Titanic's epic sinking in frigid waters. Hosted by history EXPLORER Don Wildman, it was the highest-rated episode from the "Mysteries at the Museum" series since April 2015.
The week's performance also was supported by successful premieres of "Ice Hotels... Not Impossible," "Booze Traveler: On the Rocks" and "Bizarre Frozen Foods."
ABOUT Travel Channel For virtual and active travelers who want to go on a thrilling quest; taste other cultures; enjoy the mystery of the unexplored; get a dose of epic adventure or a splash of wacky fun; there is no better daily escape than Travel Channel. Reaching more than 89 million U.S. cable homes, Travel Channel is the world's leading travel media brand. Fans also can visit Travel Channel for more information or interact with other fans through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Travel Channel is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., which also owns and operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.
