Lena Dunham‘s guest spot didn’t do much for Kerry Washington‘s “Scandal” — at least not in terms of Nielsen TV ratings.
The Shonda Rhimes drama dipped 11 percent to its season low in the advertiser-sought 18-49 demographic on Thursday. As a result, ABC slipped to second place in ratings, as the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on CBS claimed the top demo spot by a mere one-tenth of a point. That said, due to the nature of live sports, fast national ratings for that network are approximate.
To be fair to “Scandal,” viewing levels typically dip this time of year, as many college-aged young adults are on spring break. The delayed viewing numbers may see an extra boost as a result.
Fox finished first in total viewers, airing only “American Idol.”
For now at least, CBS was first in ratings with a 2.0 rating/7 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, but third in total viewers with an average of 6.5 million, according to preliminary numbers. College hoops coverage at 8 p.m. received a 1.8/6 and 6 million viewers. At 9:30, it earned a night-high 2.6/8 and 8 million viewers. At 10, the broadcast wrapped up with a 2.1/7 and 6.6 million viewers.
ABC was second in ratings with a 1.9/6 and second in viewers with 7.1 million. “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 posted a 2.1/7 and 7.8 million viewers. “Scandal” at 9 received a 2.4/7 and 8 million viewers. “American Crime” at 10 had a 1.2/4 and 5.7 million viewers.
Fox was third in ratings with a 1.8/6, but first in viewers with 8.4 million. “American Idol” was the only show on its schedule, and scored the biggest audience of the night at 8 o’clock.
NBC was fourth in ratings with a 1.2/4 and in viewers with 6.1 million. “Dateline Thursday” at 8 got a 1.2/4 and 6.4 million viewers. “The Blacklist” at 9 had a 1.8/5 and 8.4 million viewers. “The Slap” at 10 posted a 0.7/2 and 3.4 million viewers.
Univision was fifth in ratings with a 1.1/4 and in viewers with 3 million.
Telemundo was sixth in ratings with a 0.6/2 and in viewers with 1.6 million.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.5/2 and in viewers with 1.3 million. “Vampire Diaries” at 8 had a 0.7/2 and 1.6 million viewers. “Reign” at 9 got a 0.4/1 and 1.1 million viewers.