Press release from ABC
The ABC1 world premiere of the highly-anticipated 12-part comedy series Angry Boys, attracted 1.4 million viewers in the five metro markets, with an overall audience share of 22.5% (Source: OzTAM overnight data), making it ABC1’s most watched program of the year to date.
Not only did it comfortably win its timeslot in every city, it was also the most watched program among 18-39 year-olds last night (Source: OzTAM overnight data).
Angry Boys has also been enjoying a strong presence in social media. The Facebook page has gathered over 50,000 new fans and last night it was the number one trending topic on Twitter in Australia.
Angry Boys is the latest comedy series from Summer Heights High creator and star Chris Lilley. When it launched in 2007, Summer Heights High attracted 1.2 million viewers.
Last night, viewers were re-acquainted with identical twin brothers Daniel and Nathan Sims (last seen on We Can Be Heroes), as well as being introduced their colourful grandmother. Gran, aka Ruth Sims is a tough-talking, but big-hearted juvenile justice detention worker, who also has a passion for guinea pigs.
ABC1 Controller Brendan Dahill says “We are absolutely thrilled with last night’s audience figures for Angry Boys. It’s terrific to see Australian audiences embracing local comedy and it confirms ABC1’s position as the home of Australian comedy.”
Angry Boys is the first Australian series to be co-produced by ABC TV in Australia, HBO in the U.S. and pre-sold the BBC in the U.K. HBO and the BBC are yet to announce screening dates for the series.
In case you missed last night’s premiere, Angry Boys is also available on iview abc.net.au/iview. Launching on iview last night, Angry Boys had over 11,200 plays between 9.30pm and midnight.