RATINGS RECAP: 1/21/15

ABC

8:00 The Middle (Repeat)

Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

8:30 The Goldbergs (Repeat)

Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)

Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

9:30 Black-ish (Repeat)

Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

10:00 Galavant (Repeat)

Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

CBS
8:00 The Mentalist

Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

9:00 Criminal Minds

Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

10:00 Stalker

Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC

8:00 The Mysteries of Laura (Repeat)

Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

9:00 Law & Order: SVU

Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

10:00 Chicago PD

Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 American Idol

Viewers: 11.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4

9:00 Empire

Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4

Well, this is just getting crazy. Another week, another shocking rise from FOX's smash Empire. The hip hop drama was up another eight tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo to a stunning 4.4 demo. This is the biggest start a new series has had in years and it's only gaining momentum. This is reminding me of a stronger version of Scandal's meteoric rise in its second season. Earlier in the night for FOX, American Idol was up a strong nine tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo as well. It seems more likely that Empire is helping Idol, but Idol could be helping Empire at bit as well. The Empire effect had an impact on competing 9pm dramas on CBS and NBC. First on CBS, The Mentalist was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Stalker closed out the night up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. In between though (and against Empire), Criminal Minds was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo to a new series low. It was the same story on NBC where Law & Order: SVU was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo to tie a series low set back in November 2012. Chicago PD didn't take a hit at 10pm as it was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Empire (FOX)

LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Criminal Minds (CBS)