From a purely numerical standpoint, one would have a tough time spinning the inaugural “The Astronaut Wives Club” rating as an objectively impressive one.
While its viewership total of 5.51 million was respectable, Thursday’s premiere drew a soft 1.1 rating in adults 18-49. It trailed CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory”/”Odd Couple” re-run block and NBC’s “Dateline” and ranked as the #3 program in its timeslot.
Upside, however, comes from the fact that the episode gained adults 18-49 viewers as it progressed. Neither NBC’s new Thursday drama “Aquarius” nor FOX’s new Thursday drama “Wayward Pines” achieved that feat with their first broadcasts.
— “The Astronaut Wives Club” led into the two-hour season premiere of ABC’s “Mistresses.” In drawing a 0.9 adults 18-49 rating with 3.79 million viewers, it trailed the June 2, 2014 season two premiere (1.2, 4.27 million).
That episode, however, received considerably stronger lead-in support. Instead of airing out of “Astronaut Wives,” it received a direct boost from ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”
Moreover, Thursday’s “Mistresses” launch topped the season two finale (0.9, 3.74 million) in total viewership.