While “Shades of Blue” repeated as its timeslot’s top broadcast network program, its numbers fell substantially from those of last week’s premiere.
Per Nielsen L+SD data, Thursday’s “Shades Of Blue” drew a 1.3 adults 18-49 rating and 6.641 million total viewers. The numbers trail those of last week’s broadcast (1.8, 8.550m) by 28% and 22%, respectively.
Despite the losses, “Shades Of Blue” still edged CBS’ “Elementary” and dominated hour two of ABC’s “My Diet Is Better Than Yours” to rank as Thursday’s best rated and most watched broadcast network show in the 10PM slot.
That victory — and the fact that “Shades Of Blue” is outperforming previous timeslot occupants like “The Player” — are clearly feathers in the show’s cap.
On the other hand, the drop cannot be ignored. While a 28% fall is not unheard of for a new drama, it is certainly substantial. The fact that it came despite an absence of major competition adds more concern; how will it fare once ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder” re-enters the mix?
It does not turn “Shades of Blue” into a flop or even into an item of concern, but it does instantly compromise the hit status NBC publicists and certain websites were ready to ascribe after last week’s premiere.
