'I Am Patrick Swayze' Documentary Garners 1.1 Million Viewers in Premiere

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Last night's premiere of Paramount Network's documentary I Am Patrick Swayze drew 1.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen.'

The documentary, which looked at the life and career of the veteran actor, bested the 1 million viewers garnered by National Geographic's Free Solo debut earlier this year, making it the most-watched "personality" documentary thus far this year, according to Paramount Network.  

I Am Patrick Swayze was also the most-watched and highest-rated I Am special among adults 18-49 and adults 25-54 since 2015’s I Am Chris Farley, according to the network. 

The film features interviews with Swayze’s friends, family, and co-stars including his widow Lisa Niemi Swayze, brother Don Swayze, co-stars Sam Elliott, Jennifer Grey, C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Kelly Lynch, Demi Moore, Lori Petty, Marshall R. Teague, director Roland Joffe, agent Nicole David, manager Kate Edwards, personal assistant Rosemary Hygate, stuntman Cliff McLaughlin, and bodyguard Frank Whiteley. 

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.