The Conners went big this season with a live episode that aired at the same time the New Hampshire Democratic primary was happening. While Laurie Metcalf was understandably terrified over the ambitious installment, it paid off! It was a hit in the ratings, winning its timeslot with 6.3 million viewers total. Plus, a 1.10 overnight rating in the much-coveted 18-49 demo.
The live episode marked a 19% increase in total viewers from The Conners’ previous installment. The great news did not end there. It also saw a 22% increase in the key demo. Was The Conners able to maintain that momentum with its latest episode? February 18’s installment garnered 5.54 million viewers and a 1.1 rating in the 18-49 demo, per Deadline.
So what does this mean? It is excellent news for The Conners. While it lost some ground in total viewers, the sophomore comedy managed to maintain its rating in the key demo. It is some fantastic news to have as fans await an official renewal for the series.
Considering the momentum that The Conners set itself up for with its live episode, it personally begs the question. Will there be more live installments in the future? The ratings undoubtedly make a strong case for one, in my opinion. For now, fans can relish the exciting development of The Conners’ ratings remaining solid.
The Conners’ first episode after its live installment was a lively one as fans finally got to meet an all-grown-up, Little Ed. Last year, it was announced that Dan’s much younger brother by his dad would be making his debut on the show. Adding to the excitement for viewers was the casting of Shameless' Noel Fisher as not-so-Little Ed.
After a lot of anticipation, The Conners finally had Dan and Ed Jr. come face-to-face in the episode. Hence, you can probably understand why the ratings may have stayed so competitive with the live one’s. This was a massive moment for fans of the original series and the spinoff. In the installment, Dan learned that his and Ed Jr.’s dad had passed away.
Dan learned the news from reading the obituaries. He and Ed Jr.’s reunion got off to a rough start before ending in a more hopeful way. Will fans keep tuning in to see what happens next for the family? It seems likely. The Conners has Becky back in the dating scene and even more in store as it continues its second season.
Darlene’s romance is continuing to blossom, and the Lunch Box is officially open after a lot of pre-opening drama. The family is continuing to endure, and based on recent ratings, viewers are clearly invested in watching them do it.
New episodes of The Conners air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For other sitcom options, check out this winter and spring’s premieres.
