The premiere of “American Horror Story: Hotel” did not quite measure up to its predecessor’s debut ratings.
The premiere episode of “Hotel” drew in 6.13 million viewers in the advertiser coveted adults 18-49 demographic in Nielsen live-plus-three ratings, down from 6.54 million delivered by “Freak Show” last season for a drop of 6 percent.
In the adults 18-34 demo, “Hotel” got 3.7 million viewers, compared to 4.08 million for “Freak Show, a drop of 9 percent.
On a more positive note, the premiere was the second most-watched telecast in FX Networks history, behind only the premiere episode of “Freak Show.” Including delayed viewing and reruns, the premiere netted 12.17 million total viewers.
“Hotel” features an all-star cast including Lady Gaga, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Chloë Sevigny, Cheyenne Jackson, Evan Peters and Finn Wittrock.
Ryan Murphy serves as co-creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and director. Brad Falchuk is co-creator, executive producer and writer. Tim Minear, Brad Buecker, Jennifer Salt, James Wong and Alexis Martin Woodall also serve as executive producers. Twentieth Century Fox Television produces.