The Disney Channel was cable’s big ratings winner in June, topping both the primetime and total day audience charts during the first month of summer ratings.
The kids-targeted service, bolstered by the month’s most watched original cable movie Teen Beach 2, averaged 1.8 million viewers in primetime during the period of June 1 to June 28, according to Nielsen.
The network also finished first among cable networks on a total day basis, averaging 1.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
USA Network finished second in primetime with 1.7 million viewers, followed by HGTV and TNT, which tied for third with 1.6 million viewers. Fox News Channel was fifth with 1.5 million viewers, followed by a tie for sixth between History, Discovery and TBS, each averaging 1.4 million viewers. Food Network (1.1 million viewers), ESPN, Syfy and Adult Swim (tied with 1 million viewers) rounded out the top 10.
On the total day front, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim tied for second behind Disney with 1.1 million viewers.
USA was the top choice among adult 18-49 viewers in primetime, with Adult Swim finishing first among the demo on a 24-hour basis, according to Nielsen.
Most Watched Shows On Cable During The Month Of June (6/1-6/28)
DateShowNetworkTotal Viewers
6/14 Game Of Thrones HBO 10.4 million
6/7 Game Of Thrones HBO 9.9 million
6/28 BET Awards 2015 BET 6.2 million
6/8 Major Crimes TNT 6.0 million
6/26 Teen Beach 2 Disney 5.8 million
6/12 Alaskan Bush People Discovery 4.7 million
6/22 FIFA Women’s World Cup FS1 4.7 million
6/1 WWE Entertainment USA 4.6 million
6/5 Alaskan Bush People Discovery 4.5 million
6/2 Deadliest Catch Discovery 4.4 million
Source: Nielsen
(Viewing type: Live+7 Blended with Live+SD from 6/15 to date)
R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.
