Showtime’s “The Affair” and “Homeland” premiered their new seasons Monday night with each showing slight ratings improvements over its debut from last season
“Homeland’s” season 5 premiere delivered 2.1 million viewers, up 5 percent from the season 4 premiere, which attracted 1.99 million.
The second season premiere of “The Affair” bowed to 1 million viewers, nearly doubling its first season premiere numbers of 507,000 viewers.
Based on past seasons, both shows are expected to grow significantly in delayed viewing. “The Affair” drew 83 percent of its audience from on demand and DVR viewing in season one, averaging 4.1 million viewers per week.
“Homeland” saw similar increases in delayed viewing, drawing 73 percent of its audience from on demand and DVR viewing and averaging 6.1 million viewers per week.
“The Affair” won two Golden Globe awards for its freshman season, with Ruth Wilson winning for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama and the show itself winning Best Television Series – Drama.
“Homeland” has accumulated numerous awards since debuting in 2011, including winning six Emmy awards in 2012.