HBO's critically acclaimed "Boardwalk Empire" delivered a big surprise in the ratings -- and the network quickly rewarded the drama with a second-season order.
The Sunday night premiere was the premium network's most-watched premiere of any program in six years -- since "Deadwood" in 2004.
Adding two additional repeats, the "Boardwalk" number rose to a combined 7.1 million viewers.
Shortly after the ratings were revealed, HBO announced a second-season pickup.
Despite the reviews, performance expectations were modest for the Prohibition-era gangster drama. Many analysts expected the 1920s setting to turn off viewers and the show to draw a "Mad Men"-sized number.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
HBO renews ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ ratings set record
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