ORPHAN BLACK is Most-Watched Original Series Debut in Space History with 404,000 Viewers

ORPHAN BLACK is Most-Watched Original Series Debut in Space History with 404,000 Viewers


- Space is #1 Specialty Network Saturday as Season 7B premiere of DOCTOR
WHO draws 654,000 viewers -

- Space.ca hits record high on Saturday with the most visits ever in the site's
history -



To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/1295Jn3


TORONTO, April 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The series premiere of what the Hollywood Reporter calls "one of the most intriguingly entertaining new series of the year"
lived up to its hype Saturday night. Space's new Original Series ORPHAN BLACK debuted to a record-breaking 404,000 viewers, making it the
highest-rated Original Series premiere in the channel's 15-year
history. Overall, Space was the #1 specialty network of the day
Saturday, with the return of DOCTOR WHO at 8 p.m. averaging a rousing 654,000 viewers, powering ORPHAN BLACK's mind-blowing audience at 9 p.m.



In all, almost 900,000 viewers watched some or all of ORPHAN BLACK's first episode, which launched a complex urban mystery after lead
character Sarah comes face-to-face with a stranger who looks just like
her. The premiere episode, "Natural Selection," was also the
most-watched specialty program during its timeslot.



Earlier on DOCTOR WHO, the official debut of Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman) as the
Doctor's mysterious "twice dead" new companion was watched by nearly
one million Canadians, as fans turned out in droves for the 7B premiere
of Space's #1 series. "The Bells of Saint John" episode was the
most-watched specialty program of the day overall and in the key A25-54
and A18-49 demos.



In anticipation of both premieres, Space.careceived a record number of visitors on Saturday, racking up the highest
single day visits in the site's history.* Both thrilling episodes of DOCTOR WHO and ORPHAN BLACK are currently available online at Space.ca.


**Media Note** - Photography for DOCTOR WHO and ORPHAN BLACK is
available online at BellMediaPR.ca/Space


Generating buzz from critics and fans alike, here's what people had to
say about ORPHAN BLACK'spremiere episode:



-- "It's addictive and compelling -- you want the next episode
mere seconds after the previous one has ended, which is always
a fantastic sign. But even beyond that, there's little doubt
that ORPHAN BLACK is more than just a thrill ride or some
guilty pleasure. It is, flat out, one of the most intriguingly
entertaining new series of the year, and it's so much more than
pure entertainment. For a sci-fi series, there's some real heft
to it." - Tim Goodman,
The Hollywood Reporter
-- "...ORPHAN BLACK is anchored by a magnetic lead performance:
Regina-born Tatiana Maslany plays Sarah, a street hustler and
orphan who gets pulled down a rabbit hole filled with
look-alikes, double identities and dangerous conspiracies.
Strong writing and a stellar supporting cast add to Orphan
Black's appeal. This is one orphan to adopt into your TV
schedule." - Chris Lackner,
Postmedia
-- "It's so much more than simple sci-fi. It's mystery, it's
action, it's drama and it's as sexy as hell." - Chris
Jancelewicz,
Huffington Post
-- " ...as each new breadcrumb is revealed, the show proves to
be increasingly addictive. Accordingly, make a date with ORPHAN
BLACK for its premiere on Saturday, March 30th." - Tiffany
Vogt,
The TV Addict
-- ohthathayley -
The Orphan Black pilot episode was all sorts of good, looking
forward to seeing where this series goes.
#orphanblack
#space
-- okame333 - Just
watched Doctor Who & Orphan Black on Space. Good new season
opener, followed by GREAT new show! I am definitely a fan of
both now!
-- ShawnMoscato25
- Orphan Black's First episode rocked!
@SpaceChannel
-- mattywatts -
Between ORPHAN BLACK and DOCTOR WHO, Tatiana Maslany and
Jenna-Louise Coleman are going to own Saturday night in North
America.
-- LindseyMcaruso
- One thing to say: ORPHAN BLACK Favorite show in the world!
Loved it!!!
#OrphanBlack
-- SarahShelson -
So I enjoyed the premiere of Orphan Black. That ending was
killer! :D


In next week's episode of DOCTOR WHO, "The Rings of Akhaten," premiering at Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. ET, Clara wants to see something awesome, so the Doctor (Matt Smith)
whisks her off to the inhabited rings of the planet Akhaten, where the
Festival of Offerings is in full swing. Clara meets the young Queen of
Years as the pilgrims and natives ready for the ceremony. But something
is stirring in the pyramid, and a sacrifice will be demanded.



That same night, ORPHAN BLACK returns at 9 p.m. ET with the premiere of "Instinct." With a body in her car and nowhere to
turn, Sarah (Tatiana Maslany, Picture Day) is forced to continue her con and earn "Beth" (Maslany) a second
chance on the force. But with a killer on her tail, her only hope of
finding answers lies with another twin, Alison (Maslany).


Social Media Links:
Space on Facebook
Space on Twitter

DOCTOR WHO on Twitter

DOCTOR WHO on Facebook

DOCTOR WHO Information Network

About Space

Space is home to phenomenal programming including imaginative dramas,
epic movies, engaging reality series, and the daily entertainment talk
show INNERSPACE, the source for all-things genre - all in high
definition (HD). Also home to upcoming original programs ORPHAN BLACK,
PANIC BUTTON, and BITTEN, Space content is always available at Space.ca, and on Facebook, @SpaceChannel, and other social media platforms. Space is a division of Bell Media,
which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest
communications company.



- Space -



Source: BBM Canada

* Since beginning of Omniture data recording in 2008.


SOURCE SPACE

SPACE

CONTACT: Andrea Allen, Space (DOCTOR WHO), 416.384.5375 or andrea.allen@bellmedia.ca
Natalie Cole, Space (ORPHAN BLACK), 416.384.2140 or natalie.cole@bellmedia.ca
Christy Sullivan, Space, 416.384.3624 or christy.sullivan@bellmedia.ca


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