Nick Draws Record Audience in January

January was the most-watched month in the 30-year history of children’s cable network Nickelodeon.

According to Nielsen Media Research, between Dec. 28 and Jan. 31 Nickelodeon averaged 2.4 million total viewers, up 7% over last year. It also posted gains among kids 2-11 (a 9% increase), kids 6-11 (up 6%) and teens 9-14 (up 9%).

Leading the way among animated programs was SpongeBob SquarePants, which was the No. 1 rated series on TV with kids and tweens. It also was the top series on basic cable with total viewers. SpongeBob SquarePants has been the No. 1 animated show among kids ages 2-11 for the past seven consecutive years.

The Penguins of Madagascar ranked second only to SpongeBob as TV’s top animated show among kids 2-11 and 6-11, and with total viewers on basic cable in January.

Live-action programs iCarly and Big Time Rush ranked as basic cable’s top two entertainment telecasts in January with total viewers.

Additionally, Nickelodeon’s 24-hour preschool network, Nick Jr. boasted its highest-rated and most-watched month ever in January with kids 2-5 and total viewers, while Nick at Nite finished the month as the top basic cable network among women 18-49.