The Western drama opens to 4.4 million viewers, ranking only behind last year's debut of 'The Walking Dead'.
- Nov 8, 2011
AceShowbiz - It looks like AMC has found its new hit show. "Hell on Wheels" delivered big ratings for the cable network during its premiere on Sunday, November 6 with 4.4 million viewers in total and 2.4 million viewers in adults 18-49.
It marks the second highest series premiere in AMC's history following the success of "The Walking Dead". The post-apocalyptic horror series drew 5.3 million viewers when it was debuted in 2010.
"I congratulate the entire cast and crew of 'Hell on Wheels' for pulling off a project of this scope," Charlie Collier, AMC's president, said in a statement. "Bringing the grandeur of the old west and the building of the railroad to life is no small feat and the Gaytons, with their team, have delivered a beautiful world of which we are all so proud."
Created and written by Joe and Tony Gayton, "Hell on Wheels" is set in post-Civil War America and centers on former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannan (Anson Mount), whose quest for vengeance has led him westward to work on the construction of the first Transcontinental Railroad. Common and Colm Meaney also join the cast.
