Thursday’s “The Big Bang Theory,” which featured the long-awaited consummation of Sheldon and Amy’s relationship, was the most-watched episode since the season premiere.
Per Nielsen broadcast data, the episode drew a 4.1 adults 18-49 rating and 17.225 million total viewers. Easily the best delivered by any broadcast or cable program Thursday night, the numbers best the 3.8 rating and 15.269 million total viewership mark posted by the previous episode.
Entitled “The Opening Night Excitation,” the viewership total was the best — and first to go over 17 million — since the season premiere drew 18.20 million total viewers (and a 4.6 in the adults 18-49 demographic).
As evidenced by the disproportionate gain in overall viewership (in comparison to adults 18-49), this week’s episode fared particularly well with older viewers. A whopping 20% of adults 50+ watching TV during the 8-8:30PM half hour were watching “The Big Bang Theory.”
CBS’ other Thursday programming included “Life In Pieces” (2.2, 10.260 million), “Mom” (1.8, 8.952 million), “2 Broke Girls” (1.6, 6.917 million), and “Elementary” (1.0, 5.915 million).
