Despite competition from “Breaking Bad,” Showtime’s “Homeland” returned to its highest premiere ratings ever, and the new “Masters of Sex” tied the debut episode of “Homeland” in 2011.
“Homeland” earned 1.9 million viewers at 9 p.m. and 2.6 million viewers for the night, up nine percent and 26 percent respectively from last year.
Also read: ‘Homeland’ Review: Missing a Hand, But Still Fighting
“Masters of Sex”debuted to one million viewers at 10 p.m. and 1.4 million viewers for the night, tying the “Homeland” Season 1 premiere.
“Homeland” also managed to score its best numbers in its first outing without “Dexter” as a lead-in.
Ratings for the premium cable service were eclipsed by those of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” finale — Walter White’s conclusion netted 10.3 million viewers.