NEW YORK –– Fueled by standout series, specials and stunts, Food Network showed significant ratings growth for third quarter 2009, becoming the highest-rated and most-watched total day and primetime quarter in Food Network history. For the first time ever, Food Network finished in the top 10 in Primetime. In primetime, the network posted a .5 adults 25-54 rating, a 13 percent increase over first and second quarter of this year. The network also broke ratings among adults 18-49 with a .5 rating (up 14 percent over first and second quarter) and women 25-54 with a .7 rating (up 14 percent). In total day, the network posted a .3 adults 25-54 rating, a three percent increase over second quarter 2009, the previous record holder. The network also attracted an average of more than one million total viewers 2+ in a quarter for the first time in its history with 1.1 million viewers in primetime, a 14 percent increase over second quarter 2009, which was the previous record holder.

 

Food Network’s success was driven by the return of The Next Food Network Star, a nine-week stunt that posted a 1.4 adults 25-54 rating, up 8 percent over the previous season. Additional primetime series that contributed to the ratings growth include Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (.8 adults 25-54 rating ), Chopped ( .7 adults 25-54 rating) and Iron Chef America (.7 adults 25-54) respectively.