FOX's 'Empire' Solidly Sampled; Tops 'Idol' in Demos

‘Empire’ Raises the Bar and Tops ‘American Idol’ In Key Demo

The series premiere of FOX's "Empire" on Wednesday night attracted 9.9 million viewers and a 3.8/10 in Adults 18-49, reports TVbytheNumbers, based on rush nationals ordered by the network. "Empire" now ties ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" for the highest rated series premiere of the season in the key sales demo.

‘Empire’ Raises the Bar and Tops ‘American Idol’ In Key Demo

THE NUMBERS

The series premiere of FOX’s “Empire” on Wednesday night attracted 9.9 million viewers and a 3.8/10 in Adults 18-49, reports TVbytheNumbers, based on rush nationals ordered by the network. “Empire” now ties ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder” for the highest rated series premiere of the season in the key sales demo.

Created by Lee Daniels (“The Butler,” “Precious”) and Danny Strong, and starring Academy Award nominated actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, “Empire” launched following the 14th season premiere of “American Idol,” which had 11.2 million viewers tuning in and a 3.2/9 rating in the adult demo.

“Empire” is a family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.

“Empire” airs Wednesdays at 9:00 PM, ET/PT on FOX.