ICv2 has learned that the Nielsen rating for males from 18-49 for the 11pm (ET, PT) premiere episode of Gonzo's Afro Samurai on Spike on Thursday night was 1.1, meaning that over 775,000 viewers saw the premiere.  Add in the two repeat showings and the total number of viewers for the series on its debut night was over 1.66 million.  Since the first episode was repeatedly aired on Spike throughout the week and also available on the Internet, the total audience for the initial episode was considerably higher.

Of course the fate of a TV series does not depend on the number it draws for its heavily hyped premiere (see 'Blade Bites Off Big Share'), but on its ability to develop a loyal following, so it remains to be seen how Afro Samurai will do long term.

FUNimation plans to release the first Afro Samurai DVD in both Spike TV (MSRP $19.98) and Uncut (MSRP $39.98) versions on May 22nd.