It seems like being on the radio and being on television is the way to television success. After what Steve Harvey accomplished a couple of weeks ago by becoming the number one day time talk show to debut in ten years, it looks like Ricky Smiley accomplished the same thing.
According to the press release, The Ricky Smiley Show debuted on TV One the other night as the highest rated show to debut in their history! We are sure Roger Bobb (Executive Producer) of Bobbcat Films and the rest of the folks over there are smiling from ear to ear.
SILVER SPRING (September 20, 2012) – TV One continues its strong ratings momentum scoring network ratings highs with its newest comedy The Rickey Smiley Show. The series, airing Tuesday nights at 9pm, ET, delivered the highest rated premiere in the history of the network.
The premiere episode garnered a 1.08 HH rating, delivering 621,000 homes and among P25-54, earned a .75 rating, delivering 468,000 viewers. The second original episode airing at 9:30pm improved on the premiere, garnering a 1.12 HH rating, delivering 642,000 homes and among 25-54, earned a .83 rating with a delivery of 515,000 viewers. Over the four telecasts of the premieres and encores, The Rickey Smiley Show had a P2+ gross average audience of nearly 2.3 million viewers.
The show stars Rickey Smiley, as a comedian, nationally syndicated radio personality, and single father of three juggling life at work and at home. Upcoming guest appearances include actress Lisa Raye, gospel music sensation Fred Hammond, renowned rapper Waka Flocka and Rickey as his signature characters “Bernice Jenkins” and “Joe Willie.”
Wonya Lucas, TV One President and CEO commented, “TV One’s investment in original programming continues to propel the network forward as we reflect the breadth and depth of true Black life. We are excited to herald the returning popularity of the Black family sitcom as illustrated through The Rickey Smiley Show’s success.”
Toni Judkins, TV One EVP Programming and Production remarked, “We are encouraged by the viewer support of The Rickey Smiley Show and consider it a strong endorsement that Black sitcoms are reclaiming their place in the programming spotlight. TV One is pleased to bring quality comedic entertainment to our viewers and is confident the audience will continue to enjoy the growing humor in subsequent episodes.”
The series is produced for TV One by Bobbcat Films. Executive producers are Roger Bobb, Rickey Smiley, Yolanda Starks-White and Ward White. Executive in charge of production for TV One is Tia Smith.
