US serial killer show Dexter debuts with 1.9m on ITV1

by Darren Davidson, Brand Republic 28-Feb-08, 11:00

LONDON - 'Dexter', the dark comic drama about a forensics expert who tracks serial killers by day and is a serial killer himself by night, launched with an impressive 1.9m viewers in a late-night slot on ITV1 yesterday, according to unofficial overnight figures.

The acclaimed US import attracted a 14.7% share of the audience between 10.30pm and 11.45pm. The show has been promoted by ITV with on-air trails and outdoor posters.

The series made its UK debut on satellite and cable channel FX, which is owned by Fox International. The first episode of the series on FX was watched by 300,000 viewers in a 10pm slot last July.

BBC One's live coverage of the FA Cup Final replay between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, which was won by Middlesbrough with a single fortuitous goal at the end of extra time, pulled in 4.3m viewers and a 17.5% share at 8pm.

Channel 4 had a strong night with a trio of its most popular shows. At 8pm, property programme 'Relocation, Relocation' drew 3.1m viewers and a 12.5% share, including Channel 4+1.

'Grand Designs Revisited', the home design show presented by Kevin McCloud, brought in 3.6m viewers and a 14.9% share at 9pm, including Channel 4+1.

It was followed by 'Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA', with 3.3m viewers and a 17.7% share at 10pm, including Channel 4+1.