TV Ratings: 'Brain Games' Premiere Sets Nat Geo Record

Nat Geo's "Brain Games"

National Geographic Channel made a good bet on Brain Games. Monday's official launch for the series based on a 2011 special averaged 1.5 million viewers over the course of the two half-hour broadcasts. That marks a premiere high for any Nat Geo original.

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The first outing delivered nearly 1.6 million viewers and a 0.9 rating among the network's desired adults 25-54 demographic, with the second episode pulling 1.5 million viewers and another 0.9 rating in the demo.

Monday's strong showing follows a series high for Nat Geo's Wicked Tuna (1.2 million viewers, 0.8 adults 25-54 rating) on Sunday and February's all-time network best for tele-pic Killing Lincoln (3.4 million viewers, 1.1 adults 25-54).

Brain Games, which Nat Geo president Howard T. Owens has touted as brand-defining since he joined the network shortly after the special, has already been renewed for a second season.

The original Brain Games also averaged a 0.9 rating with adults 25-54.