Fox TV has lost so much commercial ads revenue on the one-time smash hit Empire, that the program was renewed for a 4th season to recoup the losses.
According to TV by the Numbers, Empire’s ratings have fallen steadily since the debut season, but it’s still the No. 1 drama (and No. 2 show overall) among adults 18-49 on the broadcast networks.
TV By the Numbers — “Empire” averages a 3.2 rating among adults 18-49 and 8.67 million viewers in live + same-day figures. Add a week of DVR and on-demand viewing and it rises to a 4.8 and 12.5 million viewers. Only “The Big Bang Theory” (3.4 same-day, 5.3 Live +7) has better numbers among non-sports shows on the broadcast networks.
“Empire” is also FOX’s top-rated show by a wide margin. Its 3.2 same-day rating is 45 percent higher than the No. 2 show on the network, “The Simpsons” (2.2).
“Empire” is currently on hiatus and will return for the second half of Season 3 on March 22.
Meanwhile, Lee Daniels‘ other FOX drama, STAR, did okay in the ratings, pulling in just over 4 million eyeballs on Jan. 4. Compare that to ABC’s Black-ish which drew over 5.8 million viewers.
STAR features Queen Latifah, Quincy Brown, and 2 transgender actors. Other than that, there isn’t much of a plot.
