Hi-Surf Sets Sail with Strong Premiere Audience for Fox

Rescue: Hello Surf is off to a strong start for Fox.

According to Nielsen live and same-day data, the lifeguard series was watched by 4.7 million viewers on Sunday evening.

The premiere episode earned a 1.1 rating among adults 18-49, which is impressive given that scripted series rarely achieve such high same-day ratings.

In fact, it was the highest-rated fall TV debut in six years, since CBS premiered God made me a friend in September 2018. It is also the first time that a new fall drama and comedy from the same network debuted as the No. 1 program of the week, alongside Universal Basic Guys.

The solid performance is thanks in part to the introduction of the NFL doubleheader. The episode was the first part of a special two-night premiere that will continue Monday night.

Co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment Studios, HI-Surf Rescue is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of lifeguards who patrol and protect Oahu’s North Shore—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. In each episode, these adrenaline-pumping lifeguards save lives in the harsh and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.

The series stars Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, and Zoe Cipres. Sea Shimooka, Shawn Hatosy, and Ian Anthony Dale are recurring characters.

Kester, Wells and Daniele Nathanson serve as executive producers and co-producers. JWP’s Erin Jontow also serves as executive producer.