The premiere episode of a new series in the popular 'Sunday Drama Theater' drew a viewership rating of 13.3 percent, a performance that indicates the potential success of the offerings. The drama, which airs every Sunday evening, is part of a nation-wide portfolio of various genres ranging from suspense thrillers to romantic comedies. The ratings represent a significant segment of Japanese society tuning in to watch the program, reflecting its initial popularity.

In Japan, TV ratings are critical indicators of a show's national popularity and cultural significance. Many Japanese viewers prefer to watch drama broadcasts live, creating a predominantly shared cultural phenomenon. The audience's tastes often define the success of a program, and the high viewership score signifies strong public interest.

This is similar to how TV ratings work in the US or EU, where popular shows like 'Game of Thrones' or 'Breaking Bad' amass huge viewer ratings. However, Japan's loyalty to live-viewing trends differs from the Western world's increasing preference for on-demand streaming.