Fox’s “Empire” rose from its already strong series debut, pulling in a 4.0 on Wednesday night following “American Idol.” The singing competition itself was down just a touch from last week’s premiere, and the network housing both broadcasts easily bested its competition.
Fox was first in ratings with a 3.4 rating/10 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and first in viewers with an average of 10.5 million, according to preliminary numbers. At 8 p.m., “Idol” received a 2.9/9 and a night-high 10.7 million viewers. “Empire” at 9 earned the aforementioned 4.0 rating along with a 12 share — highs in primetime — and 10.3 million viewers.
ABC was second in ratings with a 1.8/6, but fourth in viewers with 6.2 million. “The Middle” at 8 received a 2.2/7 and 7.8 million viewers. “The Goldbergs” at 8:30 had a 2.3/7 and 7.2 million viewers. “Modern Family” at 9 earned a 3.0/9 and 9.3 million viewers. “Black-ish” at 9:30 got a 2.0/6 and 6.6 million viewers. A rerun followed.
CBS was third in ratings with a 1.7/5 and second in viewers with 9.1 million. “The Mentalist” at 8 had a 1.3/4 and 9.4 million viewers. “Criminal Minds” at 9 received a 2.2/6 and 10.2 million viewers. “Stalker” at 10 got a 1.5/5 and 7.8 million viewers.
NBC was fourth in ratings with a 1.3/4 and third in viewers with 6.6 million. At 8, “The Mysteries of Laura” had a 1.1/3 and 6.3 million viewers. “Law & Order: SVU” at 9 got a 1.4/4 and 6.8 million viewers. “Chicago PD” at 10 received a 1.5/5 and 6.7 million viewers.
Univision was fifth in ratings with a 1.2/4 and in total viewers with 3.1 million.
Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.7/2 and in total viewers with 1.6 million.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.2/1 and in total viewers with 885,000, airing entirely reruns.