2011-12 Ratings Review: Napoleon Dynamite

The second animated series FOX tested on Sunday nights was NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, based of the classic 2004 movie of the same name. There were only six episodes produced, but FOX aired the series eight times.

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE had a good kick-off with a double premiere. Episode one aired after THE SIMPSONS and pulled in just under 9 million viewers and a 4.4 demo rating. The second episodes the same night, after FAMILY GUY. The numbers dipped by 2 million viewers and over a full demo ratings point. Over the night NAPOLEON DYNAMITE was holding roughly 80% of its lead in from the two anchors of Animation Domination and was much more successful than ALLEN GREGORY attempt.

It did well retaining THE SIMPSONS audience, even with the erratic airing schedule. After the two episode premiere, its third episode didn't air until two weeks later. Week four featured a repeat (against the Super Bowl). Then it was two weeks of original episodes, then another repeat the following week. The season finale aired on March 4th.

It did lose 50% of its audience between it premiere and the season finale, but it was consistent with its week to week numbers after that first week. I would not be surprised if next week, when FOX gives it up front presentation, that NAPOLEON DYNAMITE is on that schedule. Perhaps as a mid-season replacement.