The Lyons Continue to Roar: ‘Empire’ Ends Historic Freshman Run on Earth-Shattering High Note

The Lyons roared from the start to the finish line.

After premiering with 9.9 million viewers and a sizable 3.8 in the adults 18 – 49 demographic back in January, Empire ended its historic freshman run last night with 16.7 million viewers and a massive 6.5 in the all-important adults 18 – 49 demographic.

Most successful shows debut with a high number of viewers, lose viewers in the second and third subsequent weeks and then steady out… but not Empire. Empire defied television logic by adding viewers for ten straight weeks.

In its usual 9 p.m. slot, Empire drew 17.6 million viewers, while its first hour garnered 15.57 million viewers. Obviously those two numbers were averaged, and that’s where 16.7 million viewers comes from.

As promised, here’s the week-to-week breakdown of Empire‘s unprecedented growth streak.

January 7: 9.9 million viewers

January 14: 10.32 million viewers

January 21: 11.07 million viewers

January 28: 11.36 million viewers

February 4: 11.47 million viewers

February 11: 11.96 million viewers

February 18: 13.02 million viewers

February 26: 13.9 million viewers

March 4: 14.3 million viewers

March 11: 14.9 million viewers

March 18: 16.7 million viewers

For comparative purposes, check out the viewing trend of ABC’s hit show How to Get Away with Murder below. Let’s see if you spot the difference.

September 25: 14.12 million viewers

October 2: 11.94 million viewers

October 9: 10.81million viewers

October 16: 9.79 million viewers

October 23: 9.97 million viewers

October 30: 8.68 million viewers

November 6: 9.18 million viewers

November 13: 9.25 million viewers

November 20: 9.82 million viewers

January 29: 9.18 million viewers

February 5: 8.34 million viewers

February 12: 8.44 million viewers

February 19: 8.86 million viewers

February 26: 8.99 million viewers

We cannot wait for season two of Empire!