ABC’s TGIT block of Shondaland shows were the top scripted broadcasts of the night on Thursday, while NBC’s combination of “Heroes Reborn” and “The Player” were both down from their premiere episodes last week.
“Grey’s Anatomy” kicked things off, netting a 2.3 rating/8 share in the advertiser coveted adults 18-49 demographic and 8.5 million viewers. “Scandal” followed, pulling in a 2.8/9 and 9.1 million viewers. “How to Get Away with Murder” closed out the night with a 2.3/7 and 7.5 million viewers.
All three Shonda Rhimes shows were down from their premieres last week, but their performances were still good enough to carry them over their nearest scripted competitors.
“Heroes Reborn” clocked in at a 1.6/5 and 5 million viewers, according to preliminary Nielsen numbers. Last week the limited series scored a 1.9/6 and 6 million viewers, meaning it declined by 20 percent week over week in total viewers and 16 percent in the key demo.
“The Player” also saw a significant drop off in key measures. Thursday’s episode attracted a 0.9/3 and 4.5 million viewers. It’s premiere episode last week drew a 1.2/4 and 4.9 million viewers, meaning it was down 25 percent this week in the key demo and eight percent in total viewers.
CBS won the night thanks to Thursday Night Football, with the network getting a 4.7/15 and 14 million viewers. NFL Kickoff led things off at 8 p.m. with a 3.1/12 and 10.6 million viewers, followed by the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:30, which averaged a 5.0/16 and 14.9 million viewers.
ABC was second with a 2.5/8 and 8.4 million viewers. “Grey’s Anatomy” aired at 8 p.m., followed by “Scandal” at 9. “How to Get Away with Murder” closed the night at 10.
NBC came in third with a 1.4/5 and 5.7 million viewers. “Heroes Reborn” opened the night at 8 p.m. The season premiere of “Blacklist” followed at 9 with a 1.8/5 and 7.6 million viewers, up 13 percent from last season’s finale. “The Player” aired at 10.
Fox finished in fourth place with a 1.2/4 and 4.8 million viewers. “Bones” aired at 8 p.m with a 1.3/5 and 6.1 million viewers. “Sleepy Hollow” followed at 9, which got a 1.0/3 and 3.6 million viewers.
Univision was fifth with a 0.8/2 and 2.1 million viewers. Telemundo was sixth 0.6/2 and 1.6 million viewers.
The CW finished in seventh place with a 0.3/1 and 1 million viewers, airing only reruns.