Sunday’s “The X-Files” indeed attracted a substantial audience for its return episode.
Per final Nielsen data, the 10:24-11:24PM broadcast provided FOX with a 6.1 adults 18-49 rating and 16.193 million total viewers.
While it did receive mammoth lead-in support from FOX’s coverage of the NFC Championship (15.7 with 45.739 million for the game, 12.3 with 33.901 million for the 9:58-10:05PM post-game portion, 9.1 with 24.323 million for the 10:05-10:24 “OT”), its marks hold up even with that qualifier.
Among adults 18-49, “The X-Files” was the best primetime post-conference championship performer since “American Idol” drew a 7.9 in 2012.
It outperformed last year’s post-AFC Championship edition of CBS’ “Scorpion” (3.2, 15.39 million) in both adults 18-49 and total viewership. It also topped the 2014 second season premiere of “The Following,” which drew a 4.4 and 11.18 million after FOX’s coverage of the tightly contested (and very highly rated) Seahawks vs. 49ers NFC Championship.
“The X-Files” made its time period premiere Monday night. Ratings will be available shortly.