The majority of the most-watched programs in Canada during January and February of this year are from Corus, according to Numeris data. The company’s channels aired 17 of the 20 most-watched specialty entertainment shows, which is a 7% growth in the Numeris ranking compared to the same period last year.
The Curse of Oak Island (pictured), which airs on Corus’ The History Channel, topped the list, up 3% from last spring. The series is about an island that contains one of the greatest treasures, but no hunter has been able to uncover it. Ted, which airs on Showcase thanks to a deal Corus reached with Peacock to show its programs in Canada, finished second overall. Peacock’s Dr. Death, which also airs on Showcase, was ranked #10.
Showcase’s crime investigation series, NCIS, ranked third. There was also huge year-over-year growth for the second season of The Way Home, which was up 73% from the first season and now ranks as the fourth most-watched specialty entertainment program. The family drama, which follows the lives of three generations of women as they try to find their balance as a family, airs on W Network.
Other Corus specialty programs that rounded out the top 20 were: The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd (The History Channel), The UnXplained (The History Channel), Beat Bobby Flay (Food Network Canada), Celebrity IOU (HGTV Canada) and Below Deck Mediterranean (Slice).
“Our ratings success points to not just the high quality of our hit shows, but the renewed desire of consumers to enjoy a live, shared viewing experience,” Corus EVP of networks and content Troy Reeb tells MiC. “Almost 90% of our channels audience and 60% of our audience on STACKTV are watching their favourite programs live. No spoilers and no endless menu searching. Just endless entertainment delivered at the very moment the rest of the country is getting it too.”
Corus brands include Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The History Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada and YTV.
