'Glades' brings fresh scent to A&E ratings

A&E set a new audience record for an original drama series broadcast on the network when its premiere of "The Glades" at 10 p.m. Sunday drew 3.6 million viewers.

An encore airing of the drama added another 1.5 million viewers, adding up to 5.1 million for premiere night.

“We are very encouraged by the response that ‘The Glades’ has received from the press and our viewers,” said A&E/Bio prexy and general manager Bob DeBitetto. “The fact that the series was able to break through in a crowded summer landscape against heavy competition is a testament to the quality of the show.”

"The Glades" features Matt Passmore (“McLeod’s Daughters,” “Underbelly”), Kiele Sanchez (“Lost,” “Samantha Who?”), Carlos Gómez (“Shark,” “Sleeper Cell”) and Michelle Hurd (“Law & Order SVU,” “Gossip Girl”). Series creator Clifton Campbell exec produces with Gary Randall.

Brian Lowry's Variety review can be found here.