MediaBuyerPlanner: USA Network averaged 2.6 million viewers in prime time last year. That number, up 13 percent from 2005, was enough to regain its crown as the No. 1 cable network.
USA, Disney Channel, TNT and ESPN are the only cable networks to average more than 2 million viewers each night, writes USA Today.
The return of WWE wrestling, several original drama series – the network is airing six original dramas this summer and announced five new dramas for fall – a rebranding effort, and the return of reliable reruns including House and Law & Order: SVU, helped push the network back into first place.
Law & Order’s spin-off, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, will migrate from NBC to USA Network this fall, and at least one more drama is on the books for 2008.
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