Bringing back "The Game" paid off big time for BET.
The debut of original episodes on the network Tuesday night scored an astronomical 7.7 million according to the Nielsen Company, making it the No. 1 ad-supported sitcom telecast in cable TV history, BET said.
The figures also make it the No. 1 telecast ever of "The Game" on broadcast and cable.
That lead-in undoubtedly helped strengthen the numbers for the show which followed it. The new scripted series "Let's Stay Together" debuted with 4.4 million viewers.
“We are thrilled to see our audience respond so well to 'The Game' and 'Let's Stay Together',” said Debra L. Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of BET Networks, in a statement Wednesday. “It is clear these two shows are real game changers for the Network and the proven success of last night tells us that our viewers are not only passionate about the types of programming that we offer, but continue to crave on-air programming that reflects and respects our voices.”
BET picked up "The Game" after fans protested its cancellation on the CW network, and that same following anxiously awaited its return.
The ensemble cast includes former "Sister, Sister" star Tia Mowry, who was already celebrating the recent announcement that she and her husband are expecting their first child.