USA Network claimed its third consecutive quarterly ratings victory, maintaining its ranking as ad-supported cable's number-one network with an average Q3 delivery of 2.83 million viewers.
According to Nielsen Media Research data for the period spanning June 30-Sept. 28, USA maintained its summer dominance through the final month of the quarter, beating all comers among viewers 18-49 (1.26 million), and adults 25-54 (1.33 million). Up 8 percent versus the year-ago period, USA's 25-54 delivery now stands as the all-time cable record for the demo.
TNT took second in prime, averaging 2.39 million viewers in the quarter, while securing its best demo delivery with the 25-54 set (1.09 million).
Monday Night Football propelled ESPN to third place, as the sports net averaged 2.26 million viewers, an improvement of 35 percent over its summer delivery. ESPN took second among its two top demos, averaging 1.14 million 25-54s and 1.12 million 18-49s.