Kim Zolciak’s much anticipated return for Part 2 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” reunion helped drive Bravo to its highest Sunday primetime numbers ever. The special lead-in also lifted "Married to Medicine" to double digit gains.
At 3.5 million total viewers, the second part of the “RHOA” reunion was just .1 million total viewers shy of last week’s reunion debut. Part 1 was the series’ highest rated reunion special of the series. Sunday’s episode matched it with 2.6 million viewers in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo.
Also read: Bravo's 'Kathy' Talk Show Canceled
The real jump came for freshman series, “Married to Medicine,” which has really benefited from “RHOA’s” lead. Sunday’s episode attracted 2.7 million total viewers versus last week’s 1.8 million (a 47 percent bump). Of those viewers, 1.6 million were in the key 18-49 demo, a 30 percent increase over last week’s 1.2 million viewers in the demo.
Part 2 featured the return of Zolciak (who wasn’t wearing one of her signature wigs) after she quit the show earlier this season and gave the chance to explain her departure. It also led to a warm hug between her and former friend-turned-combatant NeNe Leakes. Zolciak’s spinoff returns for its second season on Tuesday at 9/8c.
"RHOA" is the most-watched city in the "Real Housewives" franchise, as well as Bravo's highest rated series overall. "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is second-highest rated city in the franchise.
Also read: Bravo's 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Scores Highest Rated Reunion of Series
The third installment of the “RHOA” features the women’s husbands and partners. It airs at 8/7c followed by “Married to Medicine” at 9/8c.