Station 19 | Mitch Haaseth/ABC
A substantial percentage of “Grey’s Anatomy” viewers opted not to stick around for the two-hour premiere of new spin-off “Station 19.”
To its credit, it did face some very notable competition.
According to fast national data posted by Showbuzz, “Station 19” drew a 1.2 rating and averaged 5.72 million overall viewers in the 9PM hour. The numbers fell to 1.1 and 5.12 million, respectively, at 10PM.
While not terrible in the modern TV landscape (especially given competition from the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament), the numbers pale in comparison to those of the show’s “Grey’s Anatomy” lead-in.
“Grey’s” drew a 1.9 rating and 7.49 million viewers at 8PM.
A drop from 1.9 to 1.2 would be disappointing for any new drama launch. Given that “Station 19” is a “Grey’s” spin-off, the drop seems problematic.
Granted, there was a very relevant external factor at play. In addition to competition from the NCAA games, “Station 19” aired opposite another fire-themed drama: NBC’s veteran “Chicago Fire.”
“Chicago Fire” drew a 1.2 adults 18-49 rating and 6.78 million viewers in the 9-11PM timeslot.
That very relevant competitive force obviously lowered the ceiling for this week’s episode — and thus tempers the sense of disappointment.
And while the premiere performance is certainly not cause for celebration, ABC would doubtfully be upset if “Station 19” held in this general range moving forward.
Whether it will remains to be seen.