Ratings: Is ‘Secrets & Lies’ becoming surprise hit of the season?

We’ll be honest here in saying that a few weeks ago, we were just about ready to write off “Secrets & Lies” as a serious contender to actually make it to the fall. Its ratings were suffering, especially when you consider how well “Resurrection” did in this spot a year ago.

However, this is where the interesting stuff is happening. While “Resurrection” found itself losing viewers over time, this show actually seems to be building steam. Last night’s episode drew a 1.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic, which is the show’s strongest rating of the entire series, and it actually beat “Once Upon a Time” in total viewers. Impressive for a show that is ending its first season, no? Also, consider the competition here, which included a critical episode of “The Good Wife” and also “Game of Thrones” on HBO.

With this all in mind, we’re starting to feel confident about a season 2 renewal here. Even if this number is adjusted down to a 1.6, this will still be the show’s highest rating. Our early skepticism of the series was based mostly on the title, which to us is as generic as generic gets when it comes to primetime soaps. However, it is doing something similar to what “Revenge” did in its first season: Tell a compelling story, but at the same time set a tone that allows it to be gossip-worthy. It is similar in a way to “How to Get Away with Murder” and some other ABC dramas. “American Crime” is probably a little too serious to have that status.

We’ll have more on the show’s rise next week if it continues!

If you want to get some other ratings news and updates right now, head over to the link here! Also, you can sign up now if you want to get some other news on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)