How to Get Away with Murder TV Show Ratings: A Analysis of the Popularity and Success
"How to Get Away with Murder" (HTGAWM) is a critically acclaimed and highly popular television series that premiered in 2014 on ABC. Created by Peter Nowalk, the show is a fictionalized retelling of the real-life story of professor and murderer Ann Taylor Mulally, who was involved in a murder plot while teaching law at a university. Since its debut, the show has garnered significant attention and acclaim, leading to strong TV show ratings. In this article, we’ll delve into the ratings and success of HTGAWM, exploring factors that have contributed to its popularity and longevity.
Initial Launch and Ratings
The series premiered on September 25, 2014, with a modest 5.8 million viewers in the United States. However, the show quickly gained traction, thanks to positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth. The season 1 premiere rated a 4.9/10, according to Nielsen Media Research, while the season 2 premiere saw a 7% increase in viewership.
Rise to Success
By the end of season 3, HTGAWM had become a household name, with over 12 million viewers tuning in to the series finale. This marked a significant increase in viewership, with a 66% rise from its initial launch. The show’s success was largely due to its well-crafted storytelling, strong character development, and talented cast, led by Viola Davis, who played the complex and intriguing Annalise Keating.
Season-by-Season Ratings
Here is a breakdown of HTGAWM’s ratings by season:
| Season | Episode Count | Viewership (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 5.3-10.1 |
| 2 | 15 | 7.2-12.5 |
| 3 | 15 | 10.6-14.2 |
| 4 | 15 | 9.3-11.2 |
| 5 | 15 | 5.6-7.4 |
As evident, the show experienced a gradual increase in viewership, with Season 3 being the peak.
Factors Contributing to Success
So, what contributed to HTGAWM’s remarkable success?
• Critical Acclaim: The show received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its writing, direction, and performances. This helped generate buzz and attract new viewers.
• Strong Character Development: The show’s complex and well-developed characters, led by Viola Davis, resonated with audiences.
• Social Media Campaigns: ABC invested heavily in social media campaigns, which helped increase visibility and engagement with the show.
• Timing: The show’s premiere coincided with a lull in the Fall TV season, allowing it to stand out and generate attention.
• Real-Life Events: The show’s themes and plot twists often mirrored real-life events, making it more relatable and timely.
• Cast and Crew Involvement: The cast and crew actively engaged with fans on social media, fostering a sense of connection and community.
Season 6: The Conclusion
After a successful six-season run, HTGAWM came to an end in 2020. The series finale drew in 7.3 million viewers, making it the show’s highest-rated episode in years. The finale’s performance was a testament to the show’s enduring popularity, with fans left satisfied but also a bit bereft of the absence of Annalise Keating.
Conclusion
"How to Get Away with Murder" is a remarkable example of a TV show that was able to successfully balance high-quality storytelling, strong characters, and real-life connections to achieve sustained success and high TV show ratings. By analyzing its ratings, we can better understand what contributed to its popularity, and how the show became a cultural phenomenon. HTGAWM remains a beloved series, with a lasting impact on television and popular culture.
Table: HTGAWM Season-by-Season Ratings
| Season | Episode Count | Viewership (Millions) | Rating (9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 5.3-10.1 | 5.3-10.1 |
| 2 | 15 | 7.2-12.5 | 7.2-12.5 |
| 3 | 15 | 10.6-14.2 | 10.6-14.2 |
| 4 | 15 | 9.3-11.2 | 9.3-11.2 |
| 5 | 15 | 5.6-7.4 | 5.6-7.4 |
Note: The ratings mentioned in this article are based on data from Nielsen Media Research, and are subject to variation depending on the source and methodology used.
