Update: The adults 18-49 number did not brighten the outlook for FOX’s “Rake.”
Squandering half its lead-in support in the coveted demo, Thursday’s “Rake” premiere drew a 1.7 adults 18-49 rating with 7.1 million viewers.
“Idol,” which led into “Rake,” posted a 3.4 with 12.1 million viewers.
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FOX’s new dramedy failed to “Rake” in the viewers Thursday.
Leading out of “American Idol,” which drew an 8.0 overnight metered market rating in the 8PM timeslot, “Rake” posted a 4.5.
Unimpressive from a purely numerical standpoint, the performance is even more disappointing in context. Instead of dealing with original episodes of CBS’ 9PM comedies “The Crazy Ones” and “Two and a Half Men” and ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” the “Rake” premiere only had to contend with CBS comedy encores and ABC’s low-rated “The Taste.”
Perception of the performance could be salvaged by a strong showing in the adults 18-49 demographic, but there is no presently no doubt that “Rake” did not arrive as any sort of hit.