From a media release:
ARCTIC AIR’S DEBUT SEASON REACHES RECORD HEIGHTS ON CBC TELEVISION
- Arctic Air is the most-watched debut season for a CBC drama series in 15 yearsÂ
ARCTIC AIR, the blockbuster CBC adventure drama about a Yellowknife-based maverick airline and the extended family of unconventional people who run it, notched record ratings in its first season, with an audience of almost one million viewers along for the ride throughout the show’s 10 action-packed episodes. From its premiere to 1.229 million Canadians on January 10 to the season finale on March 13, an average audience of 965,000 tuned in to ARCTIC AIR, making this the largest audience to follow the first season of a CBC Television drama series in 15 years. The show beat North of 60, the sub-arctic drama (also starring ARCTIC AIR’s Adam Beach) whose first season was a ratings hit 20 years ago, with an average audience of 962,000.
“In an increasingly competitive and fragmented TV landscape, achieving this level of success in 2012 is a huge accomplishment, and a testament to the skill and hard work of ARCTIC AIR’s production team,†said Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice-President, CBC English Services. “It’s exciting to see so much viewer interest in a drama that’s for, by and about Canadians. Along with the recent success of shows like MR. D, the huge popularity of ARCTIC AIR proves once again that Canadians really do want to watch quality Canadian programs.â€
“Canadians make a lot of great television, but we all know that doesn’t always translate into great ratings,†said ARCTIC AIR director-producer Gary Harvey. “To have ARCTIC AIR reach these heights, on the wings of great production values and strong promotion, is a testament to how Canadian shows can succeed when producers and broadcasters get it right.â€
ARCTIC AIR features the star power of Adam Beach (Cowboys and Aliens, Flags of our Fathers, Law & Order: SVU), Pascale Hutton (Fringe, Rookie Blue, Sanctuary) and Kevin McNulty (The Killing, End Game, Battle Star Galactica).To catch up on Arctic Air visit cbc.ca/arcticair
So glad to see the success of this first season- I’ve been living in Yellowknife now for 4 yrs since leaving Ontario and must say Yellowknife is rich in culture, kindness and resources! Congratulations CBC!! So glad Harper wasn’t able to shut you down!! Looking forward to next season-
Great show , can’t wait for season 2 to start