“Empire’s” ratings are finally starting to resemble those of a normal TV show.
For the fourth straight episode, Fox’s megahit music industry drama has fallen off in both the advertiser coveted adults 18-49 demographic and in total viewers in live-plus-same day ratings.
It started with the Season 2 premiere, which opened to a staggering 6.5 rating and over 16 million viewers. While impressive, it was down from the Season 1 finale, which drew a 6.9 rating and 17.62 million viewers. This was the first time since the show premiered in January that it had not grown its audience episode to episode.
The drop off has continued, with week two of this season hitting a 5.5 rating and 13.7 million viewers. Week three netted a 5.1 and 13.1 million, and this Wednesday’s episode got a 4.6 and 12.2 million. Overall, the show has lost approximately 29 percent of its audience since the beginning of Season 2.
That number may seem high, but the fact of the matter remains that “Empire” is easily the top rated show on Wednesday nights. It’s nearest scripted competition for this week, for example, was CBS’ “Criminal Minds,” which got only a 1.7 rating and 8.9 million viewers.
It is also important to remember that such rating fluctuations are the norm, and “Empire’s” record ratings run last season was something not seen for a broadcast series in nearly six years. Other top rated scripted fare, like “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” have regularly posted losses in the key demo and total viewers as well.
So fear not, “Empire” fans. The Lyons won’t be singing on the streets for pocket change any time soon.