'Doctor Who' Sets Record Ratings for BBC America

By Tim Kenneally
TheWrap

The Doctor is in -- and he's bringing big ratings for BBC America.

The season premiere of "Doctor Who" on Saturday set ratings records for the network to become the highest-rated and most-watched telecast ever for BBC America. Overall, the episode drew 1.6 million total viewers, with 723,000 of them falling within the key 25-54 demographic.

Bing: More about 'Doctor Who' | More about BBC America

"Copper," BBC America's inaugural original series, also delivered big for the network over the weekend. Combined with "Doctor Who," the third episode of 'Copper' -- which follows an Irish immigrant cop as he seeks justice for the powerless in 1864 New York City -- helped push BBC America to its highest-rated weekend on record, drawing slightly over 1 million viewers between its 10 p.m. airing and a 1 a.m. replay.

"Copper" -- which airs Sundays at 10 p.m. -- has delivered for BBC America from the start. The series' premiere episode, which aired Aug. 19, pulled in 1.8 million viewers, 859,000 of them in the 25-54 demographic between its initial airing and replays.