Need more proof how little relevance linear viewing has in networks’ pickup decisions? NBC has just given a second-season order to 1960’s-set drama Aquarius, starring David Duchovny as an LAPD cop on the hunt for Charles Manson. The show represented an experiment for NBC, with the entire season made available online following the TV premiere. Aquarius‘s linear ratings have been soft — a 1.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 5.8 million viewers overall in most current numbers — but NBC is touting its digital performance for the renewal decision.

Said NBC’s Jennifer Salke, “With its riveting drama and innovative release strategy, Aquarius has excited the critics, hooked millions of viewers and energized our summer. It’s no secret that the way people watch television is evolving, so we took a unique approach to how we delivered Aquarius and it’s driven some record numbers for NBC Digital and helped us reach viewers who might have otherwise overlooked a great summer drama.”

Per NBC, Aquarius delivered the most-watched first 24 hours for a summer series premiere ever on NBC.com and the NBC App and helped NBC Digital (NBC.com, the NBC app and Hulu) to log its biggest summer weekend ever. Through 28 days, it’s the #2 most-viewed drama premiere ever on NBC.com and the NBC App, behind only The Blacklist.

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Aquarius is also delivering an upscale audience, indexing at a 105 among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100K+ incomes

Aquarius, which co-stars stars Emma Dumont, Grey Damon, Gethin Anthony and Claire Holt, is executive produced by writer John McNamara, Marty Adelstein, David Duchovny and Melanie Greene. The series is a production of Tomorrow Studios, a joint partnership between Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios.