Offering a masterclass in synergy, ABC parlayed strong interest in the midseason “Scandal” premiere into season high ratings for its “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
Thursday’s “Kimmel,” which featured “Scandal” star Kerry Washington as a guest, delivered an impressive, season high 3.0 overnight household rating. Its 1.2 adults 18-49 rating (in the top 25 markets) ties a season high.
Both numbers were up considerably from the Wednesday edition, which drew a 2.1 household rating with a 0.6 in the demo.
They also brought “Kimmel” within striking distance of NBC’s new “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” In its weakest performance to date, “Fallon” only managed a 3.4 with a 1.4 in the adults 18-49 demo.
“Scandal,” which led into the local news that led into “Kimmel,” posted a strong 3.3 adults 18-49 rating with 9.3 million viewers. It was the show’s best performance since October.
Michael Strahan, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J also appeared on Thursday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”