Empire Powers Up Again, Cookie & Lucious Crumble Competition

Fox’s “Empire” series is still beating the competition to a pulp. The Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson-starring show reigned supreme in week two since its mid-season return.

On Wednesday (April 4) night, “Empire” brought in over 5.5 million viewers.

Empire (1.7 demo rating, 5.52 million viewers) claimed Wednesday’s top spot in the key adults 18-49 demographic in primetime, down 29% compared to its second spring telecast last year. While Empire outstripped Survivor: Ghost Island (1.6, 8.24M) in the demo, CBS’ reality stalwart blew past the Fox musical drama in total viewers to clock its sixth consecutive Wednesday as the most-watched primetime program. (Deadline)

Last week, “Empire” had its biggest ratings since season 4 initially returned last year.

Empire’s ratings were a little goosed in the series’ Wednesday return. The Fox drama, off the air for nearly four months, came back to the schedule with its strongest showing in the key demo since the first three weeks of the TV season. Fox led the night, starting at 8 o’clock, with Empire earning a 2.0 rating among adults 18-49. That was up two-tenths of a point in the key demo from its fall finale. Sister series Star, also off the air since December, improved by the same measure to pull a 1.5 rating in the key demo. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Additional reports claim over 6 million viewers tuned in to see “Empire’s” mighty return.

Fox, meanwhile, aired the spring premieres of “Empire” and “Star.” Both shows returned up slightly from their winter finales. “Empire” averaged a 2.0 and 6.1 million viewers, making it the top-rated show of the night. “Star” drew a 1.5 and 4.7 million viewers. (Variety)

For this season, “Empire” has secured Emmy-winning actress Alfre Woodard to play a major on-screen role.

Emmy Award Winner Alfre Woodard will join the Lyons as a guest-star on EMPIRE. She is set to play “Renee,” Cookie’s mother who comes back into her life with a turbulent reunion. The highly anticipated return of EMPIRE will air all-new episodes beginning Wednesday, March 28 @ 8/7c on FOX.