“The Aviators,” one of PBS’ most-watched television reality docuseries, reports that the debut episode of its third season was the number one “best-selling” iTunes download of a free non-fiction television episode on its inaugural day of availability. Episode 3.01 garnered thousands of downloads on its initial day of release, Sept. 18.
Each of the first three seasons of the program still remain on the iTunes charts for a non-fiction television series, with season three peaking at the number three position. All three seasons shared “top 10” honors with other programs such as Nova, The Colbert Report and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
“The Aviators” documents the exploits of a collection of genuine aviation experts and pilots. The show’s pilot-hosts introduce viewers to both contemporary and classic aircraft, conducting in-flight adventures and bringing the public inside the cockpit of spectacular planes they’d otherwise never get to view in such close proximity. The series boasts over 10 million viewers per week on PBS affiliate stations throughout the United States, and an estimated 40 million viewers per week across over 100 countries via various networks and online outlets.
“We look at The Aviators as the biggest TV show you’ve probably never heard of,” said long-time pilot Anthony Nalli, executive producer. “Our viewership extends well beyond the boundaries of just aviation enthusiasts, and that’s reflected in the watershed of downloads we received when we kicked-off Season 3. Although our notoriety seems to stay somewhat under the radar, the show has a broad and loyal following.”
Season three episodes include scenes with the US Air Force Thunderbirds and flights in various World War II warbirds, plus a celebrity appearance from Vince Neil of the metal band Motley Crue, who sought out his pilot’s license on the show.
For more information: TheAviators.tv
