Michael Becker/Fox
Early numbers give the Fox telecast a big showing, just shy of NBC's 'The Wiz.'
Grease will be the word in the halls of Fox this week. The network's three-hour live telecast of the musical was a ratings success.
Early numbers have the three-hour telecast averaging a 7.4 overnight rating among households. That's gives it first-place status on broadcast for the night and puts its preliminary stats only a little shy of the TV's most recent musical outing in December.
This being Fox's first live musical, its only ratings comparisons will be to NBC's last three efforts. Topping the first of them, 2013's The Sound of Music Live, was an all but impossible task. The show attracted 18.3 million live viewers and a 4.6 rating with adults 18-49 after an initial 10.9 overnight rating among households. 2014 follow-up Peter Pan sunk, but December's The Wiz rebounded a bit with 11 million viewers. (That averaged a 7.9 rating in the key demo.)
Based on ratings alone, Fox certainly has the motivation to make musicals an annual event as well — though, the general critical response sets an intimidatingly high bar. Director Thomas Kail, of Hamilton fame, brought quick praise for putting Grease on multiple soundstages and outdoor areas in front of a live audience.
More to come, including complete Grease Live audience and demo scores.TV Ratings
