“Empire” Season Finale Draws Record-Breaking Ratings

Empire also snagged the top spot on the Billboard album charts this week.

Fox’s hit TV show Empire ended its pristine season Wednesday (March 18) in record fashion.

Deadline reports that the two-hour season finale raked in 16.7 million viewers. The Hip Hop-oriented family drama has increased its viewership since its debut in early January, an unprecedented feat.

Among the coveted 18-49 age bracket, Empire’s finale drew a 6.5 rating.

Its been a decade since a new series on any broadcast network has achieved similar success. In 2005, the first season of Shonda Rhimes’ Grey’s Anatomy drew close to as many viewers on ABC.

Empire extended its broadcast on the network for the final episode, adding an additional hour to showcase several guest stars. Rita Ora, Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle, and Snoop Dogg appeared in the finale.

Empire also snagged the top spot on the Billboard album charts this week. The Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire debuted at no. 1 on the charts with 130,000 units sold.

Fans can certainly look forward to season two, as well. Recently, the show’s co-creator Lee Daniels announced that Oprah and Common will make guest appearances next season.