Blade: The Series' premiere on Wednesday drew record ratings for Spike TV with 2.5 million viewers and was the #1 entertainment show for men aged 18-34 and 18-49.
"We promised action and adventure with our first scripted series and really delivered," said Doug Herzog, president, Spike TV. "Our targeted audience of men came through for us with big numbers. 'Blade: The Series' serves as a launch pad for future original scripted shows."
Meanwhile, iTunes is offering a free download of the 2-hour premiere through July 11.
The second episode premieres Wednesday, July 5 at 10 p.m. ET. New episodes will be available for purchase on iTunes the day after their premiere on Spike TV.
Here's how the series is described:
"Blade: The Series features Kirk 'Sticky' Jones in the title role as Marvel's immortal half-man, half-vampire who uses his superhuman powers and skills to fearlessly battle the demonic creatures of the night in a blood- drenched crusade to prevent their rise over mankind. The series also stars Jill Wagner as double-agent 'Krista Starr,' Neil Jackson as 'Marcus,' Blade's chief nemesis and head of the Chthon House; Jessica Gower as 'Chase,' a seductive vampire who is devoted to Marcus; and Nelson Lee as 'Shen,' a technology genius and Blade's confidante."