Update: Pending an adjustment in the final broadcast report, ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder” drew a 3.1 adults 18-49 rating with 10.71 million viewers. Its numbers trail those of last week by 6% and 12%, respectively.
It was Thursday’s best-rated and most-watched non-sports program. With all broadcasts included, only CBS’ “Thursday Night Football” drew better.
ABC’s Thursday evening also included “Grey’s Anatomy” (2.4 adults 18-49 rating, 8.41 million) and “Scandal” (3.0 adults 18-49 rating, 9.50 million viewers).
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Already confirmed for a full, 15 episode first season, ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder” did not have to sweat this Thursday’s rating the way most freshman series do.
To the extent that those behind the show are still concerned about live performance, they will have to choose between embracing the third episode’s impressive household number or dwelling on its second decline in as many opportunities.
After slipping from a 9.7 to an 8.7 overnight household rating last week, “Murder” dipped to a 7.9 for its third broadcast. A modest–but not invisible–drop, the decline of 9% was not enough to strip “Murder” of its standing as Thursday’s highest-rated (among households) entertainment program.
Among all programs, only CBS’ “Thursday Night Football” (9.2 for the evening) drew better.
— Earlier in the night, ABC offered “Grey’s Anatomy” (6.6 overnight household rating) and “Scandal” (7.4). “Grey’s” was even with last week’s overnight number, while “Scandal” slipped by 4%.