History’s ‘Evel Live’ Jumps Over the 3 Million Viewer Mark

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

History drew 3.5 million viewers Sunday to its live special event, Evel Live, the network reported Monday.

The three-hour special, which showcased sports superstar Travis Pastrana's successful tribute to legendary stunt performer Evel Knievel through three spectacular stunts, finished as cable’s most watched, non-sports and news special of the year, according to Nielsen.

In addition, the special drew 1.2 million adults 18-49 and 1.6 million adults 25-54, which was the network’s highest premiere special within both demos since Gettysburg in 2011, according to the network.

During the special, Pastrana broke Knievel’s record jump over 50 cars by clearing 52 cars, as well as set another record by jumping over 16 full size buses, according to History. 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

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.