‘Roots’ Remake Pulls in 5.3 Million Viewers

Did you watch History’s ‘Roots’ remake last night? The show premiered to 5.3 million total viewers across a four-channel simulcast. The first episode aired on History, Lifetime, A&E and LMN.

via The Wrap:

The combination was strong enough to make the Memorial Day debut the best cable miniseries opener since 2013.

In the 25-54 demographic, this “Roots” debut landed 2.1 million viewers. Among those 18-49, the count was 1.8 million.

Over the course of three telecasts on the night, 8.5 million watched the episode. That total will grow in three- and seven-day delayed viewing totals, obviously, and probably quite significantly.

“‘Roots’ represents what television can do when it’s at its best,” Nancy Dubuc, president & CEO of A+E Networks, said. “This project has helped shape the discourse around race and identity at a time when it is needed more than ever. We are looking forward to audiences continuing to experience this powerful and important event over the next three nights.”

Part 2 of the new ‘Roots’ airs Tuesday at 9/8c on History. Another encore of Night 1 will precede that airing. There are four episodes total.