Second Episode of NBC's SMASH Draws 8.1 Million Viewers

Ratings for the second episode of NBC's new musical drama SMASH declined slightly from its premiere episode, drawing 8.1 million total viewers while scoring a 2.8 rating among the coveted 18-49 crowd. 

Opposite NBC's The Voice and CBS' original Monday schedule, ABC's combination of The Bachelor and Castle defeated Fox's original drama lineup (House/Alcatraz) during primetime in Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. The network once again held the #2 position on the night with Women 18-34 and was the 2nd-highest-rated broadcaster with Teens 12-17.

Facing The Voice and CBS' first-run comedy block, ABC's The Bachelor grew its audience from its first hour to second hour, beating out Fox's dramas in head-to-head competition from 8-10 pm by an even wider margin this week of 1.3 million viewers and by 19% in Adults 18-49. The ABC unscripted series earned second in its time slot with its core audience of Women 18-34, beating CBS' comedy block by 15%.

During the 10 o'clock hour, ABC's Castle built on its lead-in to draw 10% more viewers than NBC's Voice-fueled Smash. Castle also finished as the #2 drama in the hour with Women 18-34.