According to Neilson ratings, Spike TV’s Wednesday debut of Blade: The Series attracted 2.5 million viewers, making it the network’s highest-rated premiere ever and the night’s top entertainment offering with men 18-34 and 18-49. Based on the Marvel comic-book series and New Line’s successful film trilogy, Spike’s first original scripted action-adventure show debuted on June 28 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), competing against the big-screen debut of Warner Bros.’ Superman Returns.
Blade: The Series scored a 2.0 rating and brought Spike TV triple-digit gains in all key male demos compared to last year. “We promised action and adventure with our first scripted series and really delivered,” says network president Doug Herzog. “Our targeted audience of men came through for us with big numbers. Blade: The Series serves as a launch pad for future original scripted shows.”
Blade: The Series stars rapper-turned-actor Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones as Marvel’s immortal half-man, half-vampire who uses his superhuman powers and skills to battle the demonic creatures of the night and prevent their domination of mankind. The role was originated on the big screen by Wesley Snipes, who appeared in all three features. The third installment, Blade Trinity, was written and directed by David S. Goyer, who also wrote Warner Bros.’ Batman Begins and exec produces the Blade series with former Marvel Ent. CEO Ari Arad.
Starting today, iTunes users can download a free copy of the two-hour Blade series premiere through July 11. The hour-long weekly series will continue with a second episode airing on Wednesday, July 5 at 10 p.m., and each new installment will be available for purchase on iTunes the day after it premieres on Spike TV.
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