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Ratings: “Scandal” Season Premiere Ranks as Thursday’s Top Scripted Show (Updated)

Final Ratings Update: While it was not as hot as last year’s launch, Thursday’s “Scandal” premiere still ranked as the night’s top-rated and most-watched scripted program.

It drew a 3.3 adults 18-49 rating with 10.25 million total viewers.

“Scandal” lead-in “Grey’s Anatomy” opened ABC’s night with a 2.9 adults 18-49 rating and 9.55 million viewers in the 8-9PM hour. “How To Get Away With Murder” led out of “Scandal” with a 2.6 and 8.38 million.

Last year’s premiere ratings:
“Grey’s Anatomy” – 3.1, 9.81 million
“Scandal” – 3.8, 11.95 million
“How To Get Away With Murder” – 3.8, 14.12 million
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Fast National Ratings Update: Fast national data confirms that ABC’s “Scandal” was Thursday night’s top-rated and most-watched scripted show.

The episode, which launched the fifth season, drew a 3.2 adults 18-49 rating with 10.18 million total viewers.

ABC led into “Scandal” with “Grey’s Anatomy” (2.8, 9.45 million). It followed with “How To Get Away With Murder” (2.6, 8.40 million).
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While it predictably trailed CBS’ Thursday Night Football coverage, ABC’s “Scandal” drew a stronger overnight household rating than all other Thursday night shows.

Per metered market data, the season five “Scandal” premiere drew a 7.8 overnight household rating. Down from the 8.6 drawn by the fourth season premiere, the number nonetheless represents an improvement from what “Scandal” posted for much of its fourth season.

It also established “Scandal” as Thursday’s top-rated (at least among households) scripted program. Its nearest competition came from fellow ABC shows “Grey’s “Anatomy” (7.1) and “How to Get Away With Murder” (6.5).

The only program that outrated Thursday’s “Scandal” was “Thursday Night Football,” which averaged a 9.7 overnight household rating from 8:30-11PM.

Adults 18-49 and total viewership data should be available by 11:15AM ET.

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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