`Oprah's Next Chapter' Sets OWN Ratings Record

Audiences are flocking to see Oprah Winfrey's new interview series in record numbers.

The Jan. 8 episode of Oprah's Next Chapter on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network drew a network record 1.6 million viewers and a 1.3 rating in the network's target female 25-54 demo, said network executives.

The episode, which featured an interview with Pastor Joel Osteen, posted double digit growth across all key demos versus the series' Jan. 1 premiere -- which drew a lofty 1.2 million viewers -- and posted triple digit gains across all key demos versus year ago numbers (+220% total viewers, +225% among  W25-54 viewers, and  +150% in households).

In addition, the second season premiere of Oprah's Master Class featuring Jane Fonda scored a series high 930,000 total viewers and a .69 rating in the key women 25-54 demo - both of which were up triple digits across all key demos versus year ago numbers.

The performance was the network's second highest rating ever in the Sunday 10 p.m. time period only behind the second hour of last week's two-hour premiere of Oprah's Next Chapter, said network officials.

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.