Update: “Scandal” held virtually steady in the final broadcast ratings, posting a 3.2 adults 18-49 rating with 9.1 million viewers. It bested lead-in “Grey’s Anatomy,” which delivered a 3.1 with 9.0 million.
Save for an adjustment in the final broadcast data, Thursday’s “Scandal” season finale matched last week’s series-high ratings performance.
The action-packed episode, which wrapped up some key storylines before ending on a major cliffhanger, averaged a 3.2 adults 18-49 rating with 9.14 million viewers. Even with last week’s demo performance, the episode’s viewership number was up slightly from the prior week’s average.
“Grey’s Anatomy,” which led into the “Scandal” finale, delivered a 3.0 adults 18-49 rating with 8.63 million viewers.
Amid constant conversation about declining television ratings, particularly on broadcast television, “Scandal” has represented a rare, contrasting story. After getting off to a modest start for its abbreviated first season–and opening the second season with a similar absence of fire–it managed to grow significantly in buzz and viewership for its critically-acclaimed sophomore year.