Hungary’s latest historical drama Hunyadi has made a remarkable debut, capturing the attention of over one million viewers per episode and securing the top position on last week’s television ratings, according to a statement released by the National Film Institute (NFI) on Monday.
The series, which premiered on 8 March, opened with impressive figures. The first two episodes attracted more than one million viewers, while the Sunday evening continuation also drew nearly one million viewers on the channels of the TV2 Media Group. According to the NFI’s statement, the show achieved a viewership share of 23.2 and 25.7 per cent on Saturday and 21 per cent on Sunday across the entire population.
Breaking down the statistics, the first episode drew 936,000 viewers on TV2, with an additional 167,000 watching the director’s cut on SuperTV2, achieving a 6.8 per cent share. The second episode matched the first in popularity, maintaining an average viewership of 936,000, while the director’s version garnered 138,000 viewers, equating to a 7.5 per cent share. The third instalment, aired on Sunday, attracted 816,000 viewers, with 127,000 tuning into the director’s cut on SuperTV2.
Commenting on the success, Csaba Káel, government commissioner for the development of Hungary’s motion picture industry and president of the NFI, expressed his satisfaction: ‘The remarkable story of John Hunyadi remains exemplary and of European significance even today. It is a great pleasure that the series has captivated audiences and launched with outstanding success.’
The Hunyadi series has been well-received not only by the general public but also by industry experts. Early reviews have lauded the series for its world-class production, stunning battle scenes, compelling narrative, strong female characters, and exceptional acting.
Based on the popular historical novel series by Bán Mór, Hunyadi was developed in partnership with international collaborators and features prominent international stars. This international co-production marks a new pinnacle for Hungarian television series production.
The ambitious ten-part series features the work of over 600 actors and stunt performers, underscoring the project’s scale and dedication to authenticity. To bring the medieval European setting to life, the actors performed in nine languages, including Hungarian, German, Turkish, Italian, Czech, Romanian, and Serbian, adding to the series’ cultural and historical authenticity.
The series has also made waves on international platforms. The prestigious Variety magazine has hailed Hunyadi as one of the most significant European television productions of all time, highlighting its cinematic scope and ambitious execution.
Episodes of Hunyadi continue to air on Saturday evenings on TV2, with the director’s cut version broadcast on SuperTV2. Additionally, episodes are available for streaming on TV2’s online platform, TV2 Play, ensuring wider accessibility for viewers.
The Hunyadi series stands as a testament to Hungary’s storytelling prowess and its growing influence in the international television arena. With its compelling narrative, exceptional production quality, and critical acclaim, the series is poised to become a landmark achievement in European historical drama.
Related articles:
