With Vikings, History is taking its first leap into producing scripted TV series. Will the show be a success or will the ratings send the cable channel back to airing only documentaries and non-scripted programming? Time will tell.
The series stars Travis Fimmel, Gabriel Byrne, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, George Blagden, and Nathan O’Toole. The first season of Vikings typically airs Sunday nights on History and there are nine episodes.
These figures will be updated as the weeks progress so be sure to bookmark and return to this page:
Final season averages: 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 4.36 million total viewers.
Episode 01-09: Sunday, 04/28/13
1.3 demo rating (-7% change) with 3.58 million (-7% change).
Season averages: 1.40 in the demo with 4.36 million.
Episode 01-08: Sunday, 04/21/13
1.4 demo rating (+17% change) with 3.85 million (+13% change).
Season averages: 1.41 in the demo with 4.45 million.
Episode 01-07: Sunday, 04/14/13
1.2 demo rating (0% change) with 3.42 million (+3% change).
Season averages: 1.42 in the demo with 4.55 million.
Episode 01-06: Sunday, 04/07/13
1.2 demo rating (-8% change) with 3.31 million (-30% change).
Season averages: 1.46 in the demo with 4.75 million.
UPDATE: The series has been renewed for a second season by History.
Episode 01-05: Sunday, 03/31/13
1.3 demo rating (-7% change) with 7.74 million (+5% change).
Season averages: 1.51 in the demo with 5.01 million.
Episode 01-04: Sunday, 03/24/13
1.4 demo rating (-7% change) with 4.54 million (-6% change).
Season averages: 1.57 in the demo with 5.11 million.
Episode 01-03: Sunday, 03/17/13
1.5 demo rating (+15% change) with 4.83 million (+5% change).
Season averages: 1.64 in the demo with 5.34 million.
Episode 01-02: Sunday, 03/10/13
1.3 demo rating (-35% change) with 4.62 million (-26% change).
Season averages: 1.77 in the demo with 5.68 million.
Episode 01-01: Sunday, 03/03/13
2.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 6.21 million total viewers.
Season averages: 2.00 in the demo with 6.21 million.
It was a big premiere for History’s first scripted series. The first episode was viewed by an estimated 8.3 million viewers between the night’s two airings. The cable channel execs were no doubt very happy with these results.
Cable ratings are typically released within a day or so of the show’s airing, except for in the case of weekends and holidays. They are sometimes harder to come by so there may be occasional delays or gaps.
What do you think? Do you like the Vikings TV series? Do you think that it should be cancelled or renewed for a second season?
Definitely continue. Characters are great, & there may be some inconsistencies with the reality (no real records- just info from viewers about incorrect fjords, etc) basic history is probably correct. Drama is AwEsOmE !!!! Actors are great. Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, and Clive Standen are beautiful people!
Vikings is a terrific series a good combination of history, mystery, lore – amazing cinematography and music. Actors are great. I watched the entire series of episodes last sunday. Bring on the next season!
Excellent show. Looked forward to each new episode. Hope to see new season.
Love the show!!!
I’m bothered by the very shaky “history” from the History Channel. Of course, most historians agree that Ragnar was a composit of many. Still, they all agree that Ragnor raided the Franks, not the Saxons who killed him.
I’m also bothered by the exulting Pagan nonsense. Imagine glorifying a religion that guarantees heaven for humans sacrificed or who die in battle!!! What modern human could believe something like like that?
Ever heard of Jihad??
Duh it’s basic Norse mythology which back in those days it was widely believed by Vikings hence the historical references in the show. This comment just makes you seem ignorant.
It doesnt matter what modern human could believe that, focussing attention to the history channel is what this series is about. Further more a lot of things happened over time that todays modern day human “cannot” believe, for example every religion in the entire world has it followers, so some believe on thing and some another. Since nobody believes the same thing should they all be banned out?
Love, love this show !
Thank you History Channel !
My husband and I love the show!
I normally don’t watch a lot of TV, but this show is one of the best series that I have watched in a long time. Travis Fimmel is great.
Love this show!
Great show so far keep it up
This series finally chased all those dubious History/Discovery/National Geographic Channel offerings into the rerun or cancellation file. No more Alien interventions into the world of Egyptian, Mayan or Inca civilizations; chase off the Axe Men, Swamp people, toothless people who catch fish with their bare hands, that Duck Dynasty near MTV Real World episodic series. Finally the “Deadliest Catch” series has an historical link in The Vikings to some of those Nordic features and Norwegian surnames that are seen on those fishing vessels, operating in the Bering Sea. More power to The Vikings; an incentive to purchase an even larger… Read more »
Love this show,I never watch a show again even if Ive only seen parts and bits.Keep it comming History LOVE IT
I love the Vikings! The series should certainly continue!
I think the series is great! However, according to one legend, Ragnar dies in a pit full of poisonous snakes. After last night’s episode, it seems that is where the series is heading.
That will not happen, historically, until he has his four sons, Hvitserk, Bjorn Ironside, Sigurd Snake-In-The-Eye and Ivar the Boneless and they are all fully grown men. So far, Bjorn is a 12 year old and his next son is just on the way.
So, we’ll see much of Ragnar. Good thing too, thanks to GoT, most of our television protagonists are either children or idiots. It’s nice to see an intelligent badass for once.
We really enjoy this show! Look forward to season 2.
Kudos to History for this original programming