Last week’s depressed ratings for the season premiere of “Duck Dynasty” might not have been a fluke.
The second episode of the season dropped steeply from the season premiere, shedding nearly 2 million viewers.
Also read: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Premiere Ratings Drop: Did the Phil Robertson Controversy Hurt the Show?
Wednesday’s “Duck Dynasty” drew 6.7 million total viewers — off considerably from last week’s premiere haul of 8.5 million total viewers.
While this wouldn’t be the first “Duck Dynasty” season to suffer a ratings dip in its second episode, Wednesday’s numbers do indicate a troubling trend for the A&E show. Ratings for last week’s season premiere dropped 28 percent from the Season 4 premiere in August, which amassed a record-setting 11.8 million total viewers during a period when networks were heavy into repeat mode.
Wednesday’s ratings were also the lowest-rated episode since the Christmas-themed Season 2 finale in December 2012, which brought in 6.5 million total viewers.
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The current season’s premiere also came in below the Season 3 premiere last February, which garnered 8.6 million total viewers.
Last week’s season premiere was the first “Duck Dynasty” episode to air since controversy erupted over homophobic comments series star Phil Robertson made to GQ. During an interview with the magazine, Robertson — who describes himself as a product of the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle who turned to God after hitting rock bottom — said that gay people “won’t inherit the kingdom of God” and likened them to “drunks” and “terrorists.”
Also read: Phil Robertson Supporters Not Satisfied With ‘Duck Dynasty’ Return
Robertson was briefly suspended from the show, but quickly reinstated in the wake of fan backlash.