Update: From a comparative standpoint, Thursday’s “American Idol” series finale fared better in the overnight households (discussed below) than it did in adults 18-49.
It still fared well in the key demo, however. Per fast national data first posted by Showbuzz, the 8-10PM portion of the broadcast tied a season high in adults 18-49 — and tied “The Big Bang Theory” for #1 on the night. Given that the most important part of the finale (the result reveal) came after 10PM, it is likely the rating will adjust up in the final report.
For now, the adults 18-49 rating clocks in at a 3.0. The episode meanwhile drew an average of 12.94 million total viewers.
The rating ties the mark drawn by the premiere; the viewership figure is the show’s best since the early part of season 13.
Thursday’s broadcast was also the highest-rated and most-watched finale since the season twelve conclusion (3.6, 14.31 million).
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While not within the ballpark of what the show routinely posted during its early years, the overnight household rating for Thursday’s “American Idol” series finale obliterates anything delivered this season.
It actually ranks as the best overnight number posted since the early part of season twelve.
Per metered market data reported by Marc Berman/PI, the 8-10PM portion of Thursday’s “Idol” drew a 9.6 overnight household rating. The figure easily ranks as the best of the season.
It also bests the overnights posted by the previous three finales. Last season’s finale drew a 6.2 overnight household rating, while the 2014 and 2013 shows clocked in at 6.9 and 9.5, respectively.
“American Idol” also achieved a feat that has become exceedingly rare in recent seasons; its average bested Thursday’s “The Big Bang Theory” to ranks as Thursday’s #1 show in the overnight households (“Big Bang” won in the 8-8:30PM timeslot, however).
Adults 18-49 and total viewership data is due by 11:10AM ET.
