Few things on TV are as good or as highly rated as Fox’s “Grease: Live” was in January. Sunday’s “The Passion” proved to be no exception.
The Tyler Perry-hosted live musical event racked up 6.6 million total viewers last night. “Grease: Live” scored 12.2 million on its big opening evening, per its own initial numbers. The Rydell High musical added 2.4 million more audience members with three-day delayed viewing. Of course, that live production had a broader appeal, original music and a built-in fanbase.
CBS, NBC and Fox all tied atop the key 18-49 demographic last night, each with a 1.4 rating. They were in that order among total viewers: CBS scored 9 million viewers, NBC averaged 6.9 million, Fox put up 5.4 million total viewers. CBS had a 5 share, the other two broadcasters had a 4.
The Les Moonves-led network had the advantage of an NCAA Tournament overrun opening its own evening. At 7 p.m., that roundball coverage scored a 3.0/11 and 11.8 million viewers. The first half-hour of “60 Minutes” at 7:30 had a 1.8/6 and 9.8 million viewers. The remaining 30 minutes got a 1.6/5 and 10.5 million viewers. The first half of “Madam Secretary” posted a 1.2/4 and 9.3 million viewers, the second half put up a 1.1/3 and 9.1 million viewers. At 9:30, the “Good Wife” opened to a 1.0/3 and 8 million viewers; it closed to a 1.0/3 and 7.6 million viewers. “Elementary” at 10:30 closed out primetime with a 0.8/3 and 5.6 million viewers.
For NBC, following a rerun, “Little Big Shots” at 8 earned a 2.6/8 and 13.2 million viewers. At 9, “The Carmichael Show” received a 1.4/4 and 5.4 million viewers. At 9:30, “Crowded” posted a 1.0/3 and 3.8 million viewers. “Hollywood Game Night” had a 0.7/2 and 2.7 million viewers.
For Fox, following repeats, “The Passion Live” managed just a 1.6 demo rating from 8-10. “Grease: Live” fared far better there too, with an impressive 4.3 rating.
ABC was fourth in ratings with a 1.0/3 and in viewers with 3.8 million. “America’s Funniest Home Videos” at 7 had a 1.1/4 and 5.4 million viewers. “Once Upon a Time” at 8 got a 1.1/3 and 3.5 million viewers. “The Family” at 9 received a 0.7/2 and 2.6 million viewers. “Quantico” at 10 posted a 1.0/3 and 3.5 million viewers.
Univision was fifth in ratings with a 0.6/2 and in viewers with 1.8 million.
Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.3/1 and in viewers with 792,000.