“Ink Master” and “Tattoo Nightmares” are making a mark on Spike TV audiences.
The popular reality series were renewed for another year. The male-skewing cable channel has ordered a 13-episode fourth season of 13 one-hour episodes of “Ink Master.” “Tattoo Nightmares” gets 26 new episodes for its third year. Both will return next year.
“‘Ink Master’ and ‘Tattoo Nightmares’ have been great performers for Spike TV and have helped propel the network to its highest rated quarter with adults in four years,” said Spike TV’s executive vice president of original series, Sharon Levy, in a statement.
Also read: ‘Bar Rescue’ Star Jon Taffer Lands New Spike TV Series
“These two series showcase tattooing as the incredible art form it has evolved into and are emblematic of Spike’s new direction as we’re appealing to a broader audience with compelling original programming,” she continued.
“Ink Master,” which is hosted by musician Dave Navarro, pits 16 tattoo artists against each other for a grand prize of $100,000, among other goodies. The current second season is averaging 2.1 million viewers per episode and improving on its time slot with the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 demographic by 177 percent.
“Jersey Shore” executive producer SallyAnn Salsano produces “Tattoo Nightmares,” which features real people who have their awful tatts covered by a variety of top inkers. In its current season, it’s averaging 1.2 million viewers and has improved the timeslot with viewers 18-49 by 169 percent.
Spike TV attributes double digits gains to the two series, as well as highly rated “Bar Rescue,” for double digit gains in the advertiser demo. According to the network, it was up 26 percent in the key demo at a 0.49 ratings, its highest since fourth quarter of 2009. In total day numbers, it was up 17 percent with a .27 rating, its highest since fourth quarter of 2010.