On March 1, the back-to-back premiere episodes of FOX’s “The Last Man on Earth” averaged a 2.4 adults 18-49 rating with 5.75 million total viewers.
On March 29, the two most recent “Last Man on Earth” episodes averaged a 1.3 rating with 3.37 million viewers.
After four weeks, the freshman comedy was thus down by 46% in the key young adults demographic and by 41% in total viewership.
FOX nonetheless remains confident in its critically acclaimed series. It demonstrated that confidence by renewing “The Last Man on Earth” for a second season.
While the aforementioned decline cannot be ignored, data definitely exists to support FOX’s decision.
Thanks to general weakness on Sundays, “LMOE” has consistently topped its network timeslot competition in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and teenagers. It also ranks as the television season’s highest-rated new comedy in adults 18-34 and men 18-49.
The show has also been receiving a strong DVR lift, which suggests more interest in the program than has been communicated by the live-plus-same-day ratings.
That FOX’s overall comedy slate has been struggling certainly did not hurt the freshman’s chances. Fellow Sunday comedies “Bob’s Burgers,” “The Simpsons,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Family Guy” have not been strong this spring, and Tuesday comedies “New Girl,” “The Mindy Project” and “Weird Loners” have not been doing better.
Tuesday’s edition of the recently renewed “New Girl” drew a series low 0.9 adults 18-49 rating, and its new lead-out “Weird Loners” posted a soft 0.7.
FOX is also very aware of the show’s creative prowess.
“We knew we had something special with THE LAST MAN ON EARTH. It’s one of those rare shows that continues to add depth and dimension to its unique premise, week after week,” said the network’s David Madden. “We are so thrilled that this incredibly bold, original and inventive series has been embraced by both fans and critics, and we cannot wait to see where the creative genius and inspired vision of Will, Phil and Chris take us in Season Two.”
Off for this past weekend’s Easter holiday, “The Last Man on Earth” returns with back-to-back originals this Sunday.
