Ratings: ABC’s “Scandal” Rises, Bests “How To Get Away with Murder”

Update 2: Per final broadcast data from Nielsen, Thursday’s “Scandal” delivered a 3.1 adults 18-49 rating.  That represents a 3% gain over last week’s showing in the coveted young adults demographic.

The episode drew 9.32 million viewers.

“How to Get Away with Murder” drew a 2.7 rating with 8.68 million audience members at 10PM.

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Update: Even with last week’s adults 18-49 rating but down in total viewers, ABC’s “Scandal” posted a 3.0 adults 18-49 rating with 9.1 million viewers this week.

ABC’s best Thursday performer in both columns, it bested “How to Get Away with Murder,” which drew a 2.7 and 8.5 million viewers.

Earlier in the night, ABC re-aired “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

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Facing scripted competition from CBS for the first time this season, ABC’s “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” slipped in the overnight metered market ratings.

After both delivering 7.4 overnight household marks last week, “Scandal” and “HTGAWM” delivered a 7.2 overnight household rating and a 6.7 overnight household rating, respectively.

Each represented the series’ lowest overnight household mark of the fall season. There is no guarantee, however, that the series also slipped to lows in adults 18-49 and total viewers.

While the ABC dramas are no longer facing hefty competition from CBS’ Thursday Night Football, it is possible they have more overlap with the network’s scripted slate. “How To Get Away with Murder,” in particular, likely shares some viewers with CBS’ “Elementary.” That drama drew a modest–but not miniscule–5.2 overnight household rating.

It is also worth noting that the two dramas aired out of ABC’s 8PM broadcast of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” The timeslot is usually occupied by fellow ShondaLand drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”

The “Charlie Brown” special drew a 3.9 overnight household rating.