Update: The metered market ratings did not overstate the year-to-year drop for ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder.”
According to final national data posted by Showbuzz, Thursday’s season three “HTGAWM” premiere drew a 1.4 adults 18-49 and 5.11 million total viewers. The numbers trail those of the season two premiere by 46% and 39%, respectively.
The numbers are, however, roughly on par with the 1.4 adults 18-49 rating and 5.29 million viewer mark garnered by the second season finale.
“HTGAWM” did not receive any help from context. In addition to competition from a strong football game, the episode faced competition from new timeslot rival “The Blacklist” (“HTGAWM” narrowly beat the show in adults 18-49, but it is hard to ignore the potential impact) and weakened lead-in support. Whereas last year’s “Scandal” season premiere drew a 3.3 rating and 10.25 million viewers in the 9PM hour, new series “Notorious” managed a mere 1.1 and 5.39 million viewers.
ABC’s night opened with “Grey’s Anatomy” (2.5, 8.75 million this year vs. 2.8, 9.55 million last year). The veteran was Thursday’s highest-rated and most watched scripted program.
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There was a lot working against this year’s “How To Get Away With Murder” premiere.
It led out of the modestly rated new drama “Notorious” rather than “Scandal.” It faced competition from NBC’s relocated “The Blacklist.” It also aired following a season in which interest greatly cooled.
Given those factors, ABC’s drama unsurprisingly took a bit year-to-year hit.
According to metered market data posted by Programming Insider, Thursday’s season three “HTGAWM” opener drew a 3.9 overnight household rating. The number markedly trails the 6.5 delivered by the season two premiere.
While the drop may not be as significant in adults 18-49 — and “HTGAWM” will likely post a respectable demo rating regardless — the news is definitely not great.
“How To Get Away With Murder” does, however, generate ample DVR interest and social buzz. The two factors will at least partially compensate for modesty in the live+same-day numbers.
— Earlier in the night, ABC offered “Grey’s Anatomy” (6.2 overnight household rating, down from 7.1 from last year’s premiere) and the aforementioned “Notorious” (4.1).
