NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution and Endemol USA’s new half-hour, five-day-a-week version of "Deal or No Deal" debuted as the top new first-run series in national syndication, according to Nielsen Media Research data for the week ending September 14th, 2008.
"Deal or No Deal," which debuted September 8 on local broadcast stations, was the highest-rated new syndicated series in households, total viewers, adults 25-54 and women 25-54 (tie). "Deal" is the highest-rated game show to launch in national syndication in six years and the show also scored its best metered market HH rating to date on Tuesday, topping all new syndicated programs.
"’Deal or No Deal’ has gotten off to a terrific start in syndication and we are thrilled that it is helping improve time periods across the country," says Barry Wallach, President NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. "As viewers settle into the new season, ‘Deal’ continues to grow and just yesterday it scored its highest ratings of the new season."
"Deal or No Deal" averaged a 1.6 HH rating for the first week of the 2008-2009 TV season, topping all other new first-run syndicated programs. "Deal" also averaged more than 2.2 million total viewers per episode, topping the second highest-rated new syndicated series by 32% for the week and debuted with the youngest median age of any game show in syndication, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
And in the metered markets on Tuesday (Sept. 23), "Deal or No Deal" was the top new first-run show in syndication, averaging a season-best 1.4 HH rating, up 8% from the year ago time period average. "Deal" scored season highs in Boston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Portland, Baltimore, Milwaukee and numerous other markets on Tuesday.
Hosted by Howie Mandel, who continues to host NBC’s primetime version of "Deal or No Deal," the new syndicated edition is sold in more than 97% of the U.S. for its first season.
The new syndicated version features all the key elements of the hit primetime series, including models, contestants taking big risks and having the chance to win a life-changing amount of money, the Banker, Mandel as host and the same award-winning production team from Endemol USA and Executive Producer Scott St. John.
