WTFsutter VIDEOBLOG

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

THANK YOU

We made a little cable TV history last night, kids. The specifics are in the official press release issued by the network below. FX and Fox 21 did an outstanding job promoting the show and getting the word out. The promos, the aerial banners, the billboards -- it was all brilliant. But this exceptional number is because all of you spread the word and made the effort to tune in. I am truly humbled by this showing. I've watched the fanbase of this show grow steadily over the past year. It's been an amazing experience. As a storyteller, you live with these characters, these fantasies in your head. They are very real and very personal to me. To share them with an audience is as terrifying as it is exhilarating -- the artist's paradox. To see everyone embrace these people, this world and invest in it, is unbelievably gratifying. I thank you for taking this ride with me and I promise to continue to tell stories from depth of my blackened soul. I love all you motherfuckers. ks

SONS REVS UP HUGE RATINGS

Second Season Premiere of FX’s Original Drama Series Sons of Anarchy Scores 4.29 Million Total Viewers and 3.03 Million Adults 18-49

The +95% Increase in Adults 18-49 vs. Season One Premiere Is the Largest Year-Over-Year Increase of Any FX Original Series

1.97 Million Men 18-49 Makes Sons of Anarchy #1 Telecast Of Any Basic Cable Series in 2009

3.03 Million Adults 18-49 Makes Sons of Anarchy Most-Watched Scripted Series Telecast in 2009

#1 Episode Ever on FX in Delivery of Men 19-49

LOS ANGELES, September 9, 2009 – Sons of Anarchy returned with a vengeance Tuesday night, as the second season premiere episode of FX’s critically acclaimed hit drama series stormed out of the gate with all-time series’ high ratings across the board.

The season two premiere (9/8/09, 10 PM ET/PT) scored 4.29 million total viewers and 3.03 million Adults 18-49. Its delivery of 1.97 million Men 18-49 is the most ever for a single telecast of an FX series, and it was also the most of any basic cable series in 2009. This marks a +95% increase in Adults 18-49 against the season one premiere episode (3.03 million vs. 1.55 million, 9/2/08), the largest increase of any FX original series from a first to a second season. Nip/Tuck posted a +33% in its second season.

Based on Live+Same Day comparison, last night’s premiere registered +94% increases among total viewers over the season one average (2.21 million). Based on Live+Same Day comparison, last night’s premiere registered +107% increases among Adults 18-49 over the season one average (1.46 million).

On a time-shifted viewing comparison (Live+Seven ratings vs. Live+Same Day) ratings, in season one Sons gained an average of 18% in Total Viewers (2.61 million vs. 2.21 million), and gained an average of 20% among Adults 18-49 (1.75 million vs. 1.46).

65 comments:

Marion SOA said...

Super contente que ça marche, moi je vous encourage c'est une série super !!
Malheureusement toujoours rien en France c'est un peu décevant :(
Bon courage pour la suite.

Jerusha said...

Well deserved! I love television that haunts me (in the best possible way) for hours and even days later. I feel emotionally connected to the characters you've created. They are real, raw, and fabulous. Give me Bronte's Heathcliff, Williams's Stanley, and Sutter's SoA anyday.

Kat Scratch said...

we fucking love y'all too. :)

i love to 'watch' TV but usually it's a very passive thing for me.

not for Sons of Anarchy. i think the last show i "loved" as much was Homicide: Life on the Street! & we didn't really have internet and shit back then.

Agmarr said...

Congrats! I loved the premiere (though the shocking event was gruesome) and made sure to tape it (does anyone use tapes anymore?) so I can watch it over and over and over until next Tuesday.

Anonymous said...

No, Thank YOU... Season opener was amazing. Arkin and Rollins make great additions to the cast. I've watched the episode three times, and the season preview about 20 hahaha. Tuesday is my new favorite night of the week.

Vincent Duke said...

Your show is a proof. A proof that something intelligent and made in a different and authentical way can find its audience. As rock critic, i have also to say that SOA has one of the best soundtrack i've ever heard in a TV show, film or whatever.

Outsider said...

Charming is SEETHING!

GB, RN said...

I was utterly gobsmacked by the season premier...in a good way. The end left me speechless. Katey is amazing, and deserves an Emmy for her performance.

My parents were excited for the season premier, they had NO IDEA this was season two. I immediately directed them to season one to get caught up to speed.

I'm already looking forward to season 3. Great job!

Unknown said...

Fuck yes.

This gets us a season three, right?

Brujah said...

congrats man keep up the good work:)

Anton said...

Rock on!!!

Sling Blade said...

Thank you Kurt, Cast, Crew, Staff..
"Albification" was a wild ride that I'm still mentally digesting!
So many roads to track after that one-two punch~
I'm going to enjoy another ride with you this season!

Susan Alouette said...

Great news for the continued success of the show! But what happened to the "women over 50" demographic?
We're out here, loving Katey's performance and (by the way) the fine lads you chose for the cast.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the great work. First episode was amazing. Loved how there was more riding, and more use of Harley. You def. kicked it up this season, its not as toned down.

Also, the forum had 150+ new members within 24 hours after that first episode aired, which is crazy.

Keep up the great work, cant wait for the next episode.

http://SonsOfAnarchyForums.net

g said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

The premiere episode has justified my love of SoA! What an emotional ride; I can only imagine what's in store for us over the course of season 2. SoA is such an engaging show; while I'm not a biker or part of that culture, I still feel a connection to these characters. In fact, 9 times out of 10, I just FEEL for these characters. Thank you for bringing GREAT TV back to our society. Looking forward to the rest of the season!!

Cali said...

We motherfuckers, or in my own particular case, mother who (sometimes) fucks, love you, too!

Katey was just amazing! I can't wait to see what she does with her character after her experience the other night. Will it make her harder and stronger or weaker and afraid of life? It could go either way with menopausal Gemma.

And, OMG, a nekkid Jax was all the reward I needed for watching! More nekkid Jax, please!

Jackie said...

Watching the interveiws with the cast and crew leading up to this was awesome. They said the first episode would have us on the edge of our seats..........and omg were they right. I was laying in bed with my husband watching and sat straight up and scooted on the bed towards the tv. Katey knows how to bring the feelings home. WOW.

Can't wait till next week!!!
Congrats on the ratings and thank you for bringing us an awesome show!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Right back at ya, Kurt!! Season 2 is off to a great start - you knocked our socks off! Kudos to your great cast and crew!

Obsidienne said...

No, thank YOU. You and the cast and crew, thank you. Thank you for putting out a show that is intelligent and soulful and real.

East Coast said...

right back at cha ya fucker. lol funny, chick here was like "Thats so hollywood", I said no babe, thats pretty real to life shit yer watchin... she found a new respect for bikers,... yer mind is warped dude,.... and for that, I praise ya.

Support 81

The Mulkster said...

Mr. Sutter,
Congrats on your continued success, man. I have a feeling we are all in for a long ride here with SOA franchise. FX is definitely counting its blessings for taking a chance on these epic tales of gritty pseudo-reality TV! The proof is in the ratings! Well Done!

-Mulkster

Kimmy said...

It took me more than 24 hours to process the excellent episode! I swear Katey as Gemma left me speechless. And I am never silent.

Funny how the good word spreads quickly! My blackberry was buzzin after the show with tweets and texts about how fantastic that show was!

Thank you Kurt for your excellence in this. I love everything about this show.

Electronic Sole said...

Right back at you sir.

Kyle said...

Thank you Mr. Sutter. I couldn't wait for the season to start, and the episode absolutely delivered. I can't wait for Tuesday.

Unknown said...

Congrats Kurt! Nice to see all of your efforts finding success. SOA is an epic series in my opinion, best of luck and keep up the great work!

trapper said...

Congrats Mr. Sutter!!

So how many seasons will the show go, before you or FX think about doing a SOA Movie?

Thanks for all the hard work and putting out a great show!

Max Randal said...

We win again
Sutter ya done good,
Who ever casted Rollins should get a raise.

simple~needs said...

awesome job, kurt!!
it was a season opener that leaves you breathless for a real long time.
the show is brutal, honest and ass kicking. :)
katy showed us a side of her performing that is great!!
jax's booty shot was good too. lol
keep up the great work cause we want more!!!

zzzdog said...

I read about the great numbers yesterday and was so thrilled to hear it. Congratulations to all of you. The talent and spirit on both sides of the camera shines through as does the passion and commitment.

I'm really happy for you -- and for me. I want more and good numbers means more.

I'll be here all the way.

Gwenniegirl said...

Love the show////g

dravenlee69 said...

Kurt,

Your Success thus far is WELL DESERVED!
It's an amazing story, with a beautiful cast and about as real as you can get!!

From my "family" here in Detroit...
THANK YOU for giving us something that we can't wait to discuss during our poker nights.

RIDE ON BROTHER!
-dave

Kevin Michaels said...

Great start to the season (to get into the flow of the new season we watched the last four episodes of season 1 the day before - what else are you going to do on Labor day?). Most of the other posts have covered the highlights - like the tension/conflict between Jax and Clay, especially as Jax becomes a more dominant voice in Samcro's operations and direction, the arc with Hale and the relationship with Jax (wonder if there is a parallel to Clay/Unser in how the relationship started and where it went), and some great casting (A. Arkin and H. Rollins were great additions, but I think Jeff Kober as Hale's brother was another one of those subtle moves that makes this show stand out liike the Shield did. I'm also curious and excited to see how the battlelines are drawn between Jax and Clay, and who winds up on each side......and finally, the rape of Gemma was brutal but each week shows how good of an actress Katy Sagal is and it will be great to watch her go through this (as well as follow the repurcussions that will come.....I mean really, does anyone think she will take this passively?)

BTW- loved the dialogue between Gemma and Tara ("a wife-beater onesie"!), but really sealed it for me was the kiss she gave Tara and Tara's stunned reaction (identical to the one Wendy had last year when Gemma did the same to her).

The best show on TV right now.

Outsider said...

Just noticed the unable to read messages on f/b proviso....so not sue if you saw regarding springsteen that he is director bobby roth's brother in law through bruce's sister pamela. In case you are still seeking a springsteen song hook up.

R. Perlman knows Rob Nilsson who is friends with Bobby Roth...that could be a route to a hook up

Anonymous said...

Felicitaciones! Me encanta tu programa. Para mí ha sido una ventana para descubrir un mundo totalmente desconocido para mí, tal cual lo hizo en su momento BIG LOVE.
Te deseo lo mejor.

Anonymous said...

Great first episode. Looking forward to the rest of Season 2.

PS: Has anybody else noticed that it never rains in Charming?

Parthenians said...

It thundered and lightning here Saturday early morning. Woke me up right and proper. As did the 1st episode last Tuesday and how a belief in family and loyalty to those beliefs is paramount to survival, not only the future but of the only moment we have: this one.

There are a lot of bad muthafuckers out there that want this moment for themselves. Our beliefs and moment are being tested and refined as Gemma's is/was and will be from this time forward. The episode was a mirror for all of us, not to simply reflect, but to stand and act rather than avoiding our involvement.

The mirror you have hung, Kurt, is more appropriate and accurate than has ever been hung on TV land, by anyone, any time.

As I lie there, bathed in the white of lightning, and the deafening yell of clouds, I wished Gemma well, and all of us under this moments sky a safe passage.

Our alliances are being tested. Thank you for the reminder and heads up, Kurt. My best to you and your family, and again for speaking the truth.

chris_g said...

You're the best Kurt, thanks so much for the Shield and now Sons of Anarchy; my two favourite shows ever.

Albification was superb. These ratings better stay high so we can see the whole seven season arc you've got planned.

And casting Henry Rollins? GENIUS!

Pointman said...

"Small Tears" looks like it will be another episode that has been kicked up a notch and will have as much impact as "Albification."
My weeks are now synchronized around Tuesday again- that's the impact of the story writing, directing, cast, crew! Thanks again, Kurt!

Anonymous said...

We waited patiently for season 2, and our expectations were totally exceeded! The ending scene w/ Katy was a shock. I hope she smashes them all upside the face w/ a skateboard. For the shower scene w/ Jax - well - thank you so much!!

More SOA, please, we need more.

Scottie Sindora said...

I was at my in-laws, packing to leave on the return drive from St. Louis to Seattle with my wife and 17-month old. My wife was understanding enough to let me sneak downstairs to watch the season opener. Fantastic stuff with great cliff hangers. The only bummer is that I didn't win the Harley! LOL. Keep up the great work.

NCD123 said...

I loved the Shield, but SOA for me takes the cake. I think for me it is because of how music plays such an integral part. Not even just the soundtrack, but the addition of Henry Rollins or the Anvil cameos are so fun. I've discovered tons of new music from this show and have enjoyed the selections that I already know. I keep hoping to hear the song "Anarchy" by Nobody Can Dance in the show, but I'm sure you already have a million songs lined up. Anyway thanks for everything Kurt!

Brisket Bob said...

KURT!
Damn, you hit the ground riding with this premier. Every expectation I had was met. You once again stretched the boundaries... No. You kicked the boundaries in the nuts. I know I'm a little late with the praise, but life has kept me from the net for a while. I'm stoked for this season. Keep up the great work!

matt74 said...

We love you too!..thanks for a truly awesome show..keep keeping it fuckin real!

Semi-Kook said...

Another great episode last night. Ron Perlman has come a long way since Quest for Fire.

Word of this show is spreading fast.. lots of buzz in my area. Go SOA!

therealzenobia said...

Great ep again last night. Hey to Regina Corrado from the diehard Deadwood fans. Question: What did Tig say to Opei? :) That was beyond my slang translation skills. SPOILER ALERT - DON'T READ IF YOU AREN'T CAUGHT UP WATCHING: Did Tig's old lady die in a bike accident? And did he say he has no kids, or just none with her?

Unknown said...

Regarding Gemma's rape. Im sure many of us diehard Fans want Clay to find out..even if not from Gemma. Will this happen in coming episodes?

Evenflow8112 said...

Amazing first two episodes. You're amazing at juggling narratives and the series shows a tremendous rhythm that displays no seams in it's execution. My sole qualm is with Henry Rollins, who struck me as a bit wooden. But then again, if you can get Henry Rollins to appear on a Prime Time drama, it's difficult to complain. Hopefully the season maintains the high quality of the initial volley. I know I'll be there to see.


~Phil

Unknown said...

Question for anyone who can shed light please------Last season, the guy who had the SOA tattoo burned off his back,,,,,did he die? I was unclear about that

Max Randal said...

Its science …Lights camera audio...Opie + Gun -2 banditos + expression on Clays face = BFS (best fuckin scene) episode 2.

therealzenobia said...

Holly, I don't think he was dying, or they wouldn't have taken him to the hospital.

Liz said...

The show is excellent Kurt,ty for giving me something worth watching.Also appreciate just how approachable you and your great cast are on FB.

GutterDandy said...

Hi Kurt. I love the show, and was also a big fan of a former cable series called OZ that I'm sure you're aware of. I love the idea of using Henry Rollins on the show this year, and was thinking of an actor from OZ who would be a great fit for SoA: Chuck Zito, who played "Chucky Pancamo" on OZ. Zito is or was a real-life Hell's Angel and a long-time bike enthusiast, and I think that like Rollins, he could make a big impact if brought in -- maybe as a transplant from the Big Apple. Anyway, keep up ther good work, and I hope you consider using Zito in the future.

trapper said...

Hey Holly,

The X-samcro member who's tat was burned off, as you know, was dumped out side of the hospital, and that's the last we have seen of him, thus far......

Texas Hell Girl said...

Congratulations!!! But THANK YOU! and all the Cast and Crew of SOA for an awesome show. I love this show. I love the chemistry between Clay and Gemma. The rape scene was brutal. I hope she tells Clay and he does the clown thing to Ethan or AJ. Love the rear view we got of Jax coming out of the shower but will there be a rear view of Mr. Perlman's rear cause the scene with Clay and Gemma was a let down man. DUDE no bodies T-Shirt is that freakin long. Yes I recorded it and paused it.
SONS OF ANARCHY RULE! NOBODY BOOTLEGS KURT SUTTER NOBODY!!!

Texas Hell Girl said...

Does the great rating mean a SEASON THREE?

Unknown said...

Trapper Thank you..thats how I remembered it too,,,,but I wanted to be sure!

Unknown said...

Thanks to those who answered my question about the guy who got his tattoo burned right off!

I love the sheriff who was on Deadwood too..Great cast all the way around.

Cherry will return from Canada?

Hope the network continues this innovative quality program for future seasons!

J. Thorn said...

This is the best series I've seen in a LONG time. Your choice of music is excellent. How would a band submit tunes to you for possible use on the show?

Kimmy said...

And ever three parts coward I do not know Why yet I live to say this thing's to do Sith I have cause and will and strength and means To do't - Hamlet

Kurt, you and your crew are so talented, you have the strength to take over the top spot of TV. Your fan base is growing every day.

4.29 million is NOTHING.

Thanks for the great show, great acting, and wonderful emotion.

The only downfall is your fans addiction to #SAMCRO. FREE OTTO!

Anonymous said...

If you *really* loved us, Clay would put out an all call and every SoA chapter would come armed to the teeth to reign down retribution the likes of which Nobelle and Weston have never seen. Excellent choice of Rollins for Weston by the way. I love to hate him. I appreciate that you kept the integrity of Gemma's character by not turning her into a blubbering pile of goo and allowing her to get a couple shots of her own in before she was overpowered. But seriously, dude, wtf is up with Tig? He is one spooky dude. Can't wait to see what's inside his head. Maybe you could fill in between seasons with back stories on some of the characters ala Biography. That would be fun...but I suppose you need to rest once in awhile too. bummer. Love the show & wish you continued success.

Max Barber, A Thief In The Light said...

Kurt, I've got to hand it you, sir. My favorite show just got better. I've waited a year for this to come back around and....here we are back in Charming again and the tension is so thick, you could cut it with a switchblade. The subtle changes in Jacks and Clay and, surprisingly, in Gemma are interesting to see. They're always somewhere between redemption and damnation, Clay obviously toward the latter there. It's the best show on TV, man. Please keep doing what you're doing. Knowing SOA is coming on Tuesdays gets my ass through the week. Keep taking the risks and chances b/c believe me, we all appreciate them very much. Much love, brother!

Felicia said...

In your search for original music and obscure bands, have you considered original biker bands like the Fryed Brothers Band or Charlie Brechtel? Both are the brands of musicians that real riders listen to as they are as much a part of our culture as are Harleys. Hope you check them out. LOVE the show, hope you can continue for many years. Felicia Morgan

El Kabong said...

Kurt, I just want to tell you, that I shed manly tears at the end of the first episode this season. That's twice this show has made me do that now, asshole.

I didn't think I could ever get so emotionally attached to a show after The Shield, but you're pulling it off somehow. Keep it up, you and the whole crew are doing an amazing job.

Also, music recommendation, you should really check out Clutch. They're basically just a bunch of lumberjacks who like to rock the fuck out. Perfect biker music.

Thud said...

It's pretty popular over here amongst us English chaps.