‘Hell on Wheels’ season 4 premiere ratings solid, set great tone for future weeks
When AMC first made the decision to move “Hell on Wheels” season 3 to Saturdays, there was a fear that the show was just going to wither on a night when many potential viewers are off doing other things. However, we’d wager that the show has defied expectations and then some.
Luckily, there’s good news coming out now for the season 4 premiere, as well. With a 0.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.42 million viewers, the drama is off to a solid start. It beat handily the finale of “Crossbones” over on NBC, and it was only down about 70,000 viewers from the season 3 premiere. That’s pretty excellent retention for a scripted show these days.
Another thing to remember here is that “Hell on Wheels” also does very well in time-shifted viewing, given that many people do choose to go out on Saturdays and do other things. So long as the numbers stay close to this throughout the season, and that AMC gave season 4 a larger order than season 3 after seeing the ratings, we feel like a season 5 is pretty likely. We’ll just have to see how things go during the season, since sometimes there can be peaks and valleys that get you a little worried. We’re at least intrigued in where the story is going for the time being, even if we are still very much curious about where in the world Elam is at the moment. (It’s already been confirmed that Common will still have some sort of role on the show.)
Happy about the “Hell on Wheels” premiere numbers, and are you feeling hopeful about a season 5 already for the show? Let us know in the comments now! Also, click here to take a look at what lies ahead for the show, or here to get more on all we cover via our official newsletter.
Photo: AMC
BlackDog3015
August 10, 2014 @ 4:23 am
I’m loving season 4. Man, those new politicians in Chayanne got another thing coming when Cullen gets back! Awesome show.
SAM
August 8, 2014 @ 6:23 am
Hopefully this will show AMC that Hell On Wheels is their best show at the moment, Since Breaking Bad is gone and Mad Men is on the way out. It is so much better and more entertaining than anything else they have. The Walking Dead draws big crowds but it is very uneven and lacking in quality at this point. Hell On Wheels seems to be doing much better on a Saturday, with no big name before or after it, than any show they have premiered in the last couple of years. I have always loved this show, even through the first 2 seasons which were flawed in my opinion. It started out kind of hit and miss but starting with season 3, it has grown into one of my absolute favorites on TV. Plus, It is the only real western on TV and for that reason alone, It must go on. The way this show has progressed in the ratings as well as quality, it is a true underdog story. Just renew it for seasons 5 and 6 already AMC. That way if nothing else, it will get the ending it so rightly deserves.
Pat Thompson Gosnell
August 8, 2014 @ 1:31 am
I’m pretty confident for a Season 5.. HoW had a great premier night for S4! This is going to be an exciting season, many things will happen…I’m anxious to see all 13 episodes…I do agree that there are way too many commercials. That is ridiculous to take so much of the show out, for commercials…Glad the ratings are doing well and hope it continues
ACynicalBastard
August 7, 2014 @ 7:47 pm
I can NOT watch this show with AMC’s neverending commerical barrage… I’ll DVR the season and skip the commercials… I want HoW to get the ratings but want to forego the nonsense in-between
Diane Sumner Barnes
August 7, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
Sure hoping it stays on at least long enough to get the railroad to California! Best show on TV!!
dendu
August 7, 2014 @ 10:24 am
Thanks, I like the article! I think if HoW can maintain the demo around 0.4-0.5, then season 5 is quiete possible. I’ve heard the show needs at least 2 more seasons to wrap up the story correctly, so I’m expecting at least 2 more seasons! (: