Viewers are already in love with the new “Bachelor,” handing the premiere its top opening episode in three years and ABC an outright victory.
“The Bachelor,” beginning at 8 p.m., earned a 2.7/7 in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic — a 17 percent uptick over last January’s premiere — and 8.5 million viewers, a 23 percent increase.
ABC was first in ratings with a 2.4 rating/6 share in the key demographic and first in total viewers with an average of 8.6 million, according to preliminary numbers. Following “The Bachelor,” which was Monday’s highest-rated show, “Castle” at 10 earned a 1.8/4 — a season low — and 8.8 million viewers, making it the night’s most-watched broadcast.
Univision was second in ratings with a 1.4/3, but fifth in total viewers with 3.5 million.
Fox was third in ratings with a 1.3/3 and third in total viewers with 4.5 million viewers. “Almost Human” at 8 received a 1.7/4 and 6.2 million viewers. A rerun followed.
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CBS was in fourth in ratings with a 1.2/3 and second in total viewers with 5.2 million. Following reruns, “Hostages” at 9 earned a 1.1/3 and 5 million viewers. A second episode at 9:30, the series’ finale, had a 1.0/2 — tying its low — and 4.7 million viewers.
NBC was in fifth in ratings with a 1.0/2 and fourth in viewers with 4.2 million. It aired entirely repeats.
Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.5/1 and in total viewers with 1.3 million.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.2/0 and in total viewers with 631,000. It also aired just reruns.