TV3’s new soap Red Rock had a huge 323,000 people tuning into its first episode.
Bosses are celebrating after the massive figures – which are almost the same previous buy-in series Emmerdale is now reaching on UTV Ireland.
A TV3 spokeswoman said: “Red Rock’s debut ratings figure was almost level with well-established UK soap Emmerdale which pulled in an average of 325,000 viewers.”
Figures: Red Rock exploded in ratings | TV3
And with an addition 18,300 watching on catch-up channel TV3 +1, it nearly getting just as many viewers as Coronation Street is bringing in for UTV Ireland.
TV3 boss Jeff Ford said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the ratings for the premiere of Red Rock on TV3. Even more thrilled with the positive feedback it has received already after just one episode.
“From cast to crew, we have the best in the business working on this and it gets better with every episode. I hope the audience makes Red Rock their Wednesday and Thursday night favourite.”
It proves that TV3 were right to free up their budget by allowing Emmerdale and Coronation Street to be snatched from them.
Shock:Â Darren Kiely being beaten was huge part of first episode | TV3
Red Rock is the first new soap opera to be introduced into Ireland in the last two decades.
Last night’s episode introduced viewers to a whole host of characters, kicking off with the gruesome discovery of a beaten up Darren Kiely.
The discovery reignited a bitter feud between two families – The Kielys and The Hennessys, which looks set to develop further as the show progresses.
Red Rock airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm on TV3.
