The People v. O.J. Simpson was quite a ride. The first installment of Ryan Murphy’s new American Crime Story anthology series for FX dug way into the 1995 Trial of the Century, giving the audience a slew of Emmy-worthy performances, about 50 utterances of the word “Juice” by David Schwimmer (still not over this), and so much Travolta. So very, very much Travolta. It was a delight from beginning to end. If you haven’t seen it by now, please do yourself a favor and remedy that at your earliest possible convenience.
Although, judging by the ratings figures FX just released for the series, you probably did see it already. Some of the numbers are a little industry-y (I hope for your sake you never have to use phrases like “across all linear and non-linear platforms”), but the three biggest ratings-related bullet points from the press release are as follows:
- It is cable television’s highest-rated new series this year and ranks #2 in 2016 among all cable series behind only The Walking Dead.
- It is the most-watched new series in FX history.
- The series premiere was the most-watched original scripted series premiere in FX’s 22-year history and, to date, has delivered 17.5 million viewers.
Which is great! A lot of people watching means we’ll get more seasons, and John Travolta is already sorta kinda pitching an appearance as himself in next season’s Katrina-based version. Keep ’em rolling, I say. But the best news here isn’t just that a lot of people watched, because a lot of people watch a lot of things. The best news here is that a lot of people watched a really good, critically-acclaimed show. The list of shows that check off both of those boxes is pretty short. So congrats, to FX, and to all of us for watching, and to me for finding another excuse to use this GIF. A great day, all around.
