'Duck Dynasty' Premiere Sets Cable Ratings Record

The season premiere of A&E's "Duck Dynasty" quacked loudly on Wednesday, drawing 11.8 million total viewers -- making it the most-watched non-fiction series telecast in cable history.

In the 25-54 demographic, the Season 4 premiere of "Duck Dynasty" also set a cable record for nonfiction offerings, drawing 6.3 million viewers in the demo.

Also read: 'Duck Dynasty's' Willie Robertson Urged to Run for Congress (Report)

Among the 18-49 demographic most valued by advertisers, "Duck Dynasty" set a network record for A&E, also taking 6.3 million viewers in that demo.

Compared to last season's premiere, Wednesday night's "Duck Dynasty" was up 37 percent in total viewers, 29 percent among 25 to 54-year-olds, and 26 percent in the 18-49 demo.

Also read: 'Duck Dynasty' Clan Working on Christmas Album (They Already Have the Santa Beards)

For the uninitiated, the series follows the shenanigans of Louisiana duck-call mogul Willie Robertson and his idiosyncratic, impressively bearded clan.

"Thanks to its authentic and engaging characters 'Duck Dynasty' has become more than just a reality show, it is a cultural phenomenon," said David McKillop, General Manager and Executive Vice President of A&E. "We would like to thank the Robertsons for their incredible partnership. We are all Happy, Happy, Happy."

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