Starz Sees Ratings Gains With 'Outlander' Second Season Premiere

Starz STRZ's marquee drama "Outlander" returned on Saturday and it was well-watched by audiences.

The season premiere of season 2 was seen by 1.46 million viewers, a 102 percent jump from the season one premiere back in 2014. As a result "Outlander" takes the top spot from "Power" as the best debut for a Starz series whether it be new or returning.

The ratings were also up 19 percent from last April's mid-season premiere and up 49 percent over the season one finale last May. Including encore viewings, the ratings topped off a 2.68 million viewers for the full weekend.

"Outlander" has been a big Starz priority since it was acquired. The show's success bodes well for a channel that is constantly being linked to takeover rumors by such media giants as Lions Gate and CBS. The network is also currently prepping "American Gods," another book-to-series adaption that is expected to generate big buzz.