Say what you will about the debut episode itself, but Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and its debut was a resounding success. Going up against two of the highest rated shows on television – CBS’s “NCIS” and NBC’s “The Voice” – the Joss Whedon written and directed pilot brought in 11.9 million viewers, 4.6 million of which were from the all important 18 to 49 demographic. That was good enough for third in total viewers and tied for #1 in 18 to 49, and it was also the largest drama debut since “V” premiered in 2009.
Whether it continues those ratings forward or it tails off after viewers found out it was a lot less “Avengers” than it was “another procedural on TV that happens to feature some people we know from comic movies” is uncertain, but Marvel and Disney and everyone else has to be pretty damn happy. Some people suggested it would do far better, but considering the competition? A dynamite debut, indeed. Here’s hoping the show gets better from here and finds who it is, but for now, step one is done.
Oh! And congrats to Joss Whedon on a highly rated debut! I’m pretty sure that has never happened before, so he must be thrilled.
