MANILA, Philippines — AXN's highly anticipated "Asia's Got Talent" premiere episode topped ratings among English Pay TV channels in Southeast Asia.
During the show's two hour debut on March 12 at 8:05 p.m., AXN delivered more than 10 times the ratings having 80-percent share of other English general entertainment channels across Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The network also ranked second among all Pay TV channels on the timeslot, making "Asia's Got Talent" the top AXN program this year so far in the country.
In Singapore, "Asia's Got Talent" led the ratings chart in its timeslot for English Pay TV channels and AXN was also the top English channel for the night on StarHub.
In Malaysia, "Asia's Got Talent" also overstepped all other shows during its timeslot across all English channels on Astro.
These ratings were based on Kantar Meddia Singapore and Philippines, and Nielsen TV Audience Measurement Malaysia for Mar. 12, 2015 from 8:05 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, "Asia's Got Talent" features some of the region's most breathtaking, jaw-dropping and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title.
The first episode was a kaleidoscope of quirky characters and stunning talent, with many acts winning the hearts of viewers across the region.
Hui Keng Ang, Sony Pictures Television Networks' senior vice president and general manager for Asia, was elated by the "thrilling start" of the franchise in the region.
"We bring together millions of viewers to celebrate the diversity of talent and dreams of contestants from over 15 territories in Asia," he said.
"The response to the premiere is truly incredible and after the success of both 'The Amazing Race Asia' and 'The Apprentice Asia', AXN continues its mission to create high quality and engaging content," he added.
Driven by the strong performance of programs such as "Asia's Got Talent", AXN has maintained its top English general entertainment channel position in 2015 to date.
The network has enjoyed a 30-percent share amongst 19 English general entertainment channels during prime time.
"Asia's Got Talent" is the 63rd adaptation of the Guinness World Record-breaking hit "Got Talent" format, which was created by Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia.
The "Got Talent" format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries. - Joyce Jimenez