RATINGS RECAP: 2/25/15

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 The Goldbergs
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:30 Black-ish
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 Nashville
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:30 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
8:00 The Mysteries of Laura
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 Chicago PD
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Empire
Viewers: 13.9 million, 18-49 demo: 5.4

Another Wednesday, another rise for Empire. First up, American Idol was down three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a Wednesday low. Then the good times kept rolling for the hottest new network drama in years. Empire was up nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo to a stunning 5.4. Could a 6.0 demo be in its reach for its finale in a couple weeks? I wouldn't put it past this show considering the incredible trajectory it's been on. CBS had the return of Survivor and The Amazing Race and things went pretty well for Survivor. It was down significantly from the fall premiere but on par with last spring's premiere. It didn't go as well for The Amazing Race, but it did fare better than on Fridays. I don't think these numbers indicate the Friday run will go any better in the spring, though.

Over on ABC, The Middle started things out down two tenths in viewers and the demo for its worst performance since December 3. At 8:30pm, The Goldbergs benefited from its "Ferris Bueller" stunt that got an Oscars promo. It was up eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo to tie its second highest demo ever. It also built on The Middle more than ever before. At 9pm, Modern Family was up half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo while Black-ish was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Nashville closed out the night up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Finally, NBC had a surprising rebound from The Mysteries of Laura. It was up 1.7 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for its best performance since November 19. Considering how it's going for the new NBC dramas, this could go a long way. At 9pm, Law & Order: SVU was up 1.2 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. Chicago PD closed things out up three tenths in viewers but down two tenths in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: The Goldbergs (ABC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Nashville (ABC)