The series premiere of Manifest on NBC got an excellent start in the Monday overnight ratings, while CBS’ reboot of Magnum P.I. enjoyed a respectable launch.
Airing at 10 p.m., “Manifest” drew a 2.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 10.3 million viewers. That built on the lead in it got from the season premiere of “The Voice,” which drew a 2.0 rating and 9.6 million viewers. Manifest was also the second highest-rated show of the night, behind only The Big Bang Theory.
Magnum P.I. launched at 9 p.m. to a 1.2 rating and 8.1 million viewers. It aired after the season premiere of “The Big Bang Theory,” which was the top show of the night with a 2.4 rating and 12.7 million viewers, and the season premiere of “Young Sheldon,” which drew a 1.7 and 10.6 million viewers.
Aside from the new shows, however, it was not a pretty night for the broadcasters. Almost every returning series saw double digit drop offs in both measures from the previous season premieres. “Big Bang Theory” was down approximately 41% in the demo and 28% in total viewers from last year. “Young Sheldon” fared no better, falling 56% in the demo and 39% in viewers to a new series low. Fellow CBS series “Bull,” in its Monday debut, drew a 0.9 and 7.3 million viewers, down 29% in the demo and 27% in viewers, also marking a new series low.
