As if setting series highs in viewers and all key demographic ratings was not enough, Tuesday’s spring premiere of “Glee” achieved one additional element of success–it outdrew powerhouse lead-in “American Idol” among younger adults.
Though it trailed “Idol” in total viewers (13.664 million vs. 20.639 million) and adults 18-49 (5.6 rating vs. 7.3), it managed to outpace the musical competition in adults 18-34 (5.8 vs. 5.6) and women 18-34 (7.8 vs. 7.1).
While “Idol” can still say it claimed a greater share of young adults watching television in the respective timeslots, it cannot claim that it did better total viewership within those demos.
The news is yet another positive sign for the return of “Glee,” which would presumably now have no trouble topping a 4.0 in the demographic, even without the “Idol” lead-in (the show’s previous best mark without support from “Idol” was a 3.7).
Exactly how well it would hold up remains to be seen, but the quarter hour numbers for the premiere might provide an indication:
9:28-30: 7.7 rating, 19.8 million viewers
9:30-45: 6.1 rating, 15.2 million viewers
9:45-10: 5.6 rating, 13.4 million viewers
10-10:15: 5.2 rating, 12.7 million viewers
10:15-30: 5.4 rating, 12.5 million viewers
Ratings source: Media Week
