The ratings are in and it sounds like Sharknado 2: The Second One was a hit for Syfy. According to the network, the shark-filled sequel movie scored record-setting numbers for the network, and -- no exaggeration, apparently -- a billion twitter impressions. Given the number of trending topics related to the movie last night, #SawHand included, we're inclined to believe that figure.
Syfy announced today that Sharknado 2: The Second One brought in a record-setting 3.9 million total viewers and 1.6 million adults 18-49, becoming Syfy's most-watched original movie ever. The estimated Twitter impressions are said to be a billion. And at one point, the film dominated the trending topics, securing all top 10 spots in the United States. Syfy clearly did their research on this situation, noting:
There were more mentions of Sharknado on Twitter than #MileyCyrus on the day of MTV’s 2013 VMAs, #kimye on Kim and Kanye’s wedding day and #transformers4, #thelegomovie, #godzillamovie and #22jumpstreet on each movie’s worldwide premiere day.
Syfy goes on to note that Sharknado 2 beat out Game of Thrones, The Bachelorette and Survivor in being the most social movie/TV show ever.
Twitter dominance is what put the first Sharknado on the map. While its social networking success didn't exactly translate to a ratings victory last year, it did garner the TV movie enough attention to secure it not one but two sequels. The yet-to-be-titled third Sharknado is due out next year.
Following up on last summer's Los Angeles-based Sharknado, Sharknado 2: The Second One was directed by Anthony C. Ferrrante from a screenplay by Thunder Levin. The sequel took the action to New York, bringing Fin (Ian Ziering) and April (Tara Reid) to the big apple where another Sharnado was on the verge of tearing through the city. Those looking for a massive storm and crazy, bloody shark mayhem likely weren't disappointed with what the sequel had to offer. The steady flow of Twitter activity throughout the broadcast was probably a good indication that -- at the very least -- people were having fun watching the movie and sharing their reactions with other fans.
Here's the poster Syfy used to promote the movie, showing a tornado of sharks tearing up Manhattan...
Syfy will air Sharknado 2 again Saturday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 3 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). You can read our review of the sequel here, and read our wish list of things we want to see in the anticipated third Sharknado movie here.
