TV Ratings Report: Empire Dives Following Jussie Smollett Scandal

Ever since the news of the Jussie Smollett scandal broke, many fans have wondered what it could mean for the future of the drama series. 

Would it result in some gains, or would it result in people fleeing the show?

For now, it looks like the latter. Empire returned after a three-month break with 4.4 million total viewers and a 1.3 rating. 

This is down two-tenths from December's midseason finale. 

Star returned with 3.7 million total viewers and a 1.1 rating, just a tenth below its midseason finale. 

Over on CBS, Survivor was steady as a rock with 7.6 million total viewers and a 1.5 rating, while The World's Best concluded its first (and likely only) season with 3.7 million viewers and a 0.6 rating. 

Over on ABC, Whiskey Cavalier crashed three-tenths in the demo and 1.6 million total viewers. Its third episode scored 3.7 million and a 0.6 rating. 

The Goldbergs (4.8 million/1.1 rating) was steady, while Modern Family (4.6 million/1.2 rating), Schooled (3.9 million/1.0 rating), and Single Parents (3.4 million/0.8 rating) inched up. 

The CW's rotation of Riverdale (1 million/0.3 rating) and All American (0.6 million/0.2 rating. were flat. 

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.