The launch of TBS' new reality show "The Real Gilligan's Island" drew an audience of more than 7 million viewers, Daily Variety said Thursday.
"The Real Gilligan's Island" is the first original programming breakout hit for TBS since it rebranded itself earlier this year as a destination for viewers looking for comedy.
The 8 p.m. telecast beat Fox and UPN in adults 18-49. It also beat all the broadcast networks except CBS among men 18-49.
"The Real Gilligan's Island" features two sets of castaways -- contestants playing characters from the 1960s TV show -- competing in a series of "Survivor"-type challenges. The group will be narrowed down to a final cast of seven -- Gilligan, the Skipper, Ginger, etc. -- who will then see if they can do better than the 1960s crew in getting off the island.
