'Project Runway' Takes Off On Lifetime

Lifetime's Project Runway Season 6

In its return to the airwaves, "Project Runway" has given a big boost to Lifetime -- grabbing 4.2 million total viewers in its season six debut.

The 10 p.m. high-profile reality show -- airing in its first year on Lifetime, after five seasons on Bravo -- grabbed 45% higher viewers than the show's season five premiere on Bravo, which earned 2.9 million viewers.

The show was part of a public legal struggle between NBC Universal's Bravo and The Weinstein Co, which produces "Runway" -- all stemming from Weinstein's decision to abruptly move the show to Lifetime.

"Runway" was easily the highest-rated competition reality series premiere this year. In addition, among key women 18-49 viewers, "Runway" earned a 3.2 rating, 28% higher than its last season premiere on Bravo. The show also pulled in strong numbers in other demos -- a 3.8 rating among women 18-34, and a 2.5 for adults 18-34.

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On Lifetime's digital platforms, the show also generated strong results, setting company records with its highest-ever number of unique visitors, 454,000; visits, 558,000. It also took in 4.6 million page views, according to data from online researcher Omniture.

Two companion shows to "Runway" also did well. "Project Runway: All-Star Challenge" earned 2.9 million viewers at 8 p.m. and "Models of the Runway" at 11 p.m. took in a solid 1.9 million viewers.

Lifetime ratings have slumped recently. Its prime-time viewership fell 33% to 1.1 million average total viewers in the second quarter of 2009 versus the year before. Its numbers for women 18-49 are down 30% to 378,000 in the period, and its women 25-54 viewers are off 31% to 382,000.

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