On January 7, FOX’s new drama “Empire” debuted with a mammoth 3.8 adults 18-49 rating. It considerably outdrew its “American Idol” lead-in.
Its second episode, which aired on January 14, actually fared better.
That rare feat–plus the sheer magnitude of its early audience–gave FOX all the ammunition it needed to renew “Empire” for a second season.
FOX, which confirmed the news Saturday, also revealed that it has renewed fellow freshman drama “Gotham” and sophomore comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” for the 2015-16 season.
“Gotham” has thus far been a solid, consistent ratings performer on Mondays; “B99” has meanwhile demonstrated decent fitness for its post-“The Simpsons,” pre-“Family Guy” timeslot on Sundays.
