Abbott Elementary Season 2 Premiere Soars in Viewership; Sarah Hyland Heads to Freevee to Host Series

Tuesday, October 04, 2022

Abbott Elementary Season 2 Premiere Soars in Viewership; Sarah Hyland Heads to Freevee to Host Series

Network TV shows that are not live events or sports are mostly watched on DVR, onDemand or on streaming services (Hulu, Peacock, etc) these days. Megahit comedy Abbott Elementary does a respectable live+same day linear TV number in terms of today's numbers but that's no where near its total viewership audience per episode. After 7 days of multiplatform (MP7) viewing, the second season premiere jumped over +300% in Adults 18-49. And that will be even higher after 35 days. It's the present and future of how we watch television and the broadcast networks know this. Here is what ABC released: After just seven days of multiplatform viewing, the second season premiere of Abbott Elementary skyrocketed to a 2.38 rating among Adults 18-49, soaring more than 4 times over its initial Live+Same Day rating (+318% - 0.57 rating). Abbott Elementary also picked up an additional +4.1 million Total Viewers over its Live+Same Day average (2.9 million) to hit 7.0 million viewers after seven days of multiplatform viewing. Abbott Elementary delivered its largest-ever delayed-viewing lift with Total Viewers (+4.1 million) and its 2nd-biggest-ever increase among Adults 18-49 (+318%).

The season 2 premiere of Abbott Elementary nearly doubled its December series debut (on 12/7/21) among Adults 18-49 (+92% - 2.38 rating MP7 vs. 1.24 rating Mp7), while soaring by 52% in Total Viewers (7.0 million vs. 4.6 million). In fact, the ABC sitcom launched its second season with series highs in both Adults 18-49 (2.38 rating) and Total Viewers (7.0 million). Based on linear Live+7 Day program ratings, the second season premiere of Abbott Elementary matched the series' highest-rated telecast among Adults 18-49 (0.9/8) and drew its 2nd-largest audience ever in Total Viewers (4.3 million). Abbott Elementary improved over its December series debut (on 12/7/21) by 16% in Total Viewers (4.3 million vs. 3.7 million) and by 13% with Adults 18-49 (0.9/8 vs. 0.8/6). In addition, the sophomore ABC sitcom built over its April first season finale (3.8 million and 0.8/6, respectively, on 4/12/22) in both Total Viewers (+13%) and Adults 18-49 (+13%).

So it's time to stop looking/reporting at a small piece of a pie (linear live+same day) and start looking at a full piece of pie (MP7/MP35) when looking at broadcast enterainment series. Viewing habits have changed, so reporting should reflect that.

Play-Doh Squished

Amazon Freevee revealed the official trailer and premiere date for the Freevee Original series Play-Doh Squished. The lively competition show is hosted by Sarah Hyland (Modern Family, Pitch Perfect Bumper in Berlin). Based on the hit holiday special released last year, and featuring updates reflecting the shift from special to series, the first episode premieres exclusively on Freevee November 11 in the U.S. and UK, with new episodes available on the service every Friday thereafter until February 24, 2023. Sarah Hyland will be joined each week by resident Play-Doh expert Jason Loik as well as two standing judges, painter Alexandra Nechita and sculptor Gil Grimmett. An all-star lineup of celebrity guest judges adds to the fun, including Sarah's hudband Wells Adams, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, Modern Famly mom Julie Bowen, D'Arcy Carden, "Young Dylan" Gilmer, Tony Hale, Chloe Kim, Marshawn Lynch, Alyssa Milano, Madison Pettis, Jay Pharoah, Jaime Pressly, Francia Raisa, Rob Riggle, and Kristen Schaal. Each episode will feature a new theme to inspire teams as they build their Play-Doh creations. From creating monsters, to designing out-of-this-world terrains, teams will be challenged to use Play-Doh tools and compound in a variety of new ways.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, April 6

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Gemma Johnson's Day Off" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Gemma reaches her limit at work, and when a car issue forces her to slow down, an unexpected break helps her rethink what she really wants next. Meanwhile, Marty and Malcolm’s plans are thrown off course when unexpected opportunities arise, and Dave embraces a new career path.

The Neighorhood - "A Farewell Special" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
CBS presents The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special, an Entertainment Tonight production, airing Monday, April 6 (8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier and filmed on location on The Neighborhood's stages, the special celebrates the acclaimed CBS comedy's final season, honoring eight seasons, 156 episodes, and eight unforgettable years of laughter, heart and community, leading up to the series finale on May 11.

This celebratory event features exclusive new interviews with the cast reflecting on their journey, revisiting early days on set, and looking back at the show's evolution and cultural impact. From its heartfelt exploration of friendship and family to its comedic take on life in a changing community, The Neighborhood has become a beloved part of CBS' comedy legacy.

The special includes never-before-seen footage and archival interviews from the ET Vault, offering fans a nostalgic look at the series' most iconic moments and the relationships built along the way. Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the emotional final days of production, including the cast and crew's last table read, intimate moments from the final tapings, and heartfelt goodbyes.

Additionally, The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special brings audiences inside the cast's final wrap party, capturing the laughter, speeches, memories, and surprises that marked the end of an era. To cap off the evening, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming series finale, with the cast and producers sharing what viewers can expect as the Butlers and Johnsons say farewell to the neighborhood they've called home for nearly a decade.

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to New Horizons" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dave’s silent auction wins lead to a classical concert outing with Gemma and the Butlers that quickly goes off the rails. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s ghostwriting gig takes a surprising turn when Tina encourages him to dive into reality TV for inspiration – sparking an unexpected obsession.

St. Denis Medical - "We Make Time" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When a doctor becomes a patient, his co-workers rally around him, whether he likes it or not; Matt and Serena need to talk.

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins - "The Loyalty Swamp" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Tobin's past comes back to haunt him; Reggie and Brina struggle to set a wedding date.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 6)

Monday, April 6

Jason Segel (Shrinking/How I Met Your Mother/Undeclared) - Watch Jason on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary/Emeril) - Lisa appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Keanu Reaves (Swedish Dicks) - Keanu is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS. He also talks about Outcome on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
Melissa Gilbert (Stand by Your Man) - ABC's Good Morning America has George Stephanopoulos' exclusive interview with Melissa sometime between 7-9am.
Laurie Metcalf (Big Mistakes/The Conners/Roseanne/The McCarthys/The Norm Show) - Laurie talks about Big Mistakes on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Mindy Kaling (Running Point/The Mindy Project/The Office) - Mindy talks about Mindy's Book Studio on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry and Rebecca King-Crews make an exclusive announcement on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am. Terry will also be on in the 9am hour.
Sterling K. Brown (Starved) and Ryan Michelle Bathe (First Wives Club/Retired at 35) - Sterling and his wife Ryan Michelle tell Sherri about the highly anticipated new season of Paradise now streaming on Hulu & Disney+ on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
Amanda Peet (Brockmire/Togetherness/Bent) - Amanda talks season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors and her new film Fantasy Life on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.