Categories: TV NewsTV Ratings

Ratings: “Empire” Actually Improves in Episode 2; “Idol” Down Slightly

Insofar as few drama pilots have the ability to impress everyone, most series fail to retain their premiere audiences. Week two drops in the neighborhood of 10-20% are not simply tolerated but expected.

Every once in a while, however, a show subverts that expectation and avoids a decline. “Empire” is one such show.

Wednesday’s episode actually outperformed the blockbuster premiere in adults 18-49 and total viewers. After delivering a 3.8 rating with 9.90 million viewers for its opener, “Empire” posted a 4.0 with 10.29 million viewers in week two.

The same positive outcome did not emerge for lead-in “American Idol.” FOX’s reality juggernaut drew a reduced 2.9 adults 18-49 rating (down from last week’s 3.2) with 10.66 million viewers (down from last week’s average of 11.20 million) in the 8PM hour this week.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

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Brian Cantor