BET’s highly anticipated 3-part miniseries, “THE NEW EDITION STORY”, kicked off its first night with record-smashing ratings. The premiere telecast of the special drew2.5MM viewers P18-49, and 4.2MM total viewers P2+ on BET*. Simulcast on BET’s sister network Centric, the miniseries scored a combined 2.6MM viewers P18-49, and 4.4MM total viewers across both networks during its initial premiere on Tuesday, January 24th from 9pm-11pm ET. On BET alone, “THE NEW EDITION STORY” (Part One) was the highest rated and most watched telecast in five years, since 2012 with the Season 5 premiere of “The Game” (excluding tentpoles). “THE NEW EDITION STORY” continues tonight, Wednesday, January 25th at 9pm ET/PT, and concludes Thursday, January 26th at 9pm ET/PT.
“THE NEW EDITION STORY” (Part One) also dominated the social-sphere as BET ranked as the #1 most social network on television** on Tuesday, January 24th. The special was the #1 most social episode on both Facebook and Twitter, outranking all other TV programs including cable, syndication and sports. Across social platforms, 2.2 million people generated nearly 1 million interactions. On Twitter, BET and “THE NEW EDITION STORY” drove 12 of the top 20 trending topics of the night including #Betamax, #BobbyBrown, #CandyGirl, #MikeBivins, and #LukeJames. Interactions peaked during the live 10:30pm – 10:44pm window, as viewers applauded the transition of the band from boys to men.
After 30 years of breaking hearts on the record and from the stage, New Edition has finally gotten the biopic they so richly deserve. “THE NEW EDITION STORY” follows the group from their humble Boston beginnings to global megastardom – weathering the highs and lows of controversy, personnel changes, and the ultimate cost of fame. The multi-talented cast includes Bryshere Y. Gray, Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Keith Powers, Algee Smith, and Woody McClain as the adult members of New Edition. Along with a stellar cast, “THE NEW EDITION STORY” includes a collective of award-winning producers and directors including iconic music powerhouses James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, Terry Lewis and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Executive Producer Jesse Collins and award-winning director Chris Robinson.
Part Two (2 hours) premieres tonight, Wednesday, January 25 at 9 PM ET/PT, chronicling the band’s rise to fame, escalating tensions with Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill’s addition to the group. Part Three (2 hours) premieres Thursday, January 26 at 9 PM ET/PT, which sees the group splinter into solo careers then attempt to reunite for an ill-fated reunion tour.
“THE NEW EDITION STORY” is executive produced by Jesse Collins (Real Husbands of Hollywood) for JCE Films, a division of Jesse Collins Entertainment; directed by Chris Robinson (ATL) and co-produced by Brooke Payne, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown.
For behind the scenes look at the making of the film, plus exclusive clips and photos from “THE NEW EDITION STORY”, please visit BET.com/NewEdition and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NewEditionBET.
*Source: Nielsen. Live + Same Day, Statistics qualifications based on highest rated stat (P18-49 Cvg Rtg) and Most Watched (P2+ (000)s). All simulcast based on additive sums.
**Source: Nielsen Social, Facebook & Twitter, ranked on Total Interactions.