'Watchmen' is HBO's most popular new TV series of the year

• HBO's "Watchmen" has been watched by an average of 7.1 million viewers over its seven episodes so far across all of HBO's platforms, the company said.
• It's the network's biggest new series since "Big Little Lies" and the most popular new premium cable series of the year, according to HBO.
• That's good news for HBO as the network enters a new era.
• Former CEO Richard Plepler resigned earlier this year and its parent company, WarnerMedia, is launching the streaming service HBO Max next year.
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HBO's "Watchmen" is a ratings hit.

The series, based on the iconic graphic novel of the same name, has been watched by an average of 7.1 million viewers over its seven episodes so far across all of HBO's platforms, including linear and streaming, the company said. It's the premium cable network's most popular new series since "Big Little Lies" and premium cable's most popular new series of the year, according to HBO.

"Watchmen" is a follow-up to the graphic novel, which takes place in an alternate 1985 where costumed vigilantes have been outlawed and America won the Vietnam War thanks to the super being called Doctor Manhattan. The show takes place in the present day, where police officers wear masks and a white supremacist group is terrorizing the Tulsa, Oklahoma police force as part of a vast conspiracy. It stars Regina King, Jean Smart, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jeremy Irons.

The series isn't just a ratings hit, but a critical one, as well. It has a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. It does have a 46% audience score, but there's reason to believe that a vocal group of naysayers has "review bombed" the show to lower its score. It has over 4,500 user ratings, an unusually high number for a new premium cable series ("Big Little Lies" season two only has 124 user ratings).

The success of "Watchmen" is a good sign for HBO as its parent company, WarnerMedia, prepares to launch the streaming service HBO Max next year.

HBO has released numerous TV shows after "Game of Thrones" concluded that have been steady in the ratings and celebrated by critics, such as "Chernobyl" and "Euphoria." HBO also dominated this year's Emmys with the most nominations (137) and the most wins (34), including the prizes for best drama series ("Game of Thrones") and best limited series ("Chernobyl").

It's worth noting that these shows were developed under the leadership of former HBO CEO Richard Plepler, who resigned earlier this year after AT&T bought Time Warner (now WarnerMedia). Casey Bloys, HBO's programming boss, remains with the network, though.

• Read more of Business Insider's coverage of "Watchmen"
• We looked back at the long history of failed 'Watchmen' adaptations, as HBO sets an October release date for its own star-studded TV series
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• A second season of HBO's 'Watchmen' isn't a sure thing and will depend on how audiences respond to season 1
• HBO's 'Watchmen' is an exhilarating and relevant TV series, and could be genre fans' new obsession after 'Game of Thrones'
• HBO's 'Watchmen' director thinks there's enough story to tell for season 2 and beyond
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