‘American Horror Story: Roanoke’ premiere live+3 numbers huge

While “American Horror Story: Roanoke” may not have set any records when it comes to live+3 ratings, at the same exact time the show does have a lot to be excited about.

In a new press release from FX, it was confirmed that the first episode of the sixth season drew in total 8.3 million viewers with additional DVR numbers included, and this includes 5.6 million in the 18-49 demographic. This total audience is the third-largest telecast ever for the franchise in this measure, which is pretty darn great for a show in its third season. Across all linear and non-linear viewings, the premiere has drawn close to 11 million viewers.

The biggest reason we’re so impressed by these ratings is not because of the network’s mysterious marketing campaign so much as the notion that the show overcame a fairly disappointing fifth season, one with a great cast but marred by inconsistent storytelling and a reliance on shock value and visual stunts more so than anything compelling. Many of those cast members are thankfully back this season, even if to date the majority of our time has been spent with Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, and Angela Bassett, with Lily Rabe serving as one of the narrators for the documentary-style narration that we’ve received so far for “My Roanoke Nightmare,” the show within the show.

Typically, ratings for “Horror Story” tend to fall rather significantly during the season. Given how this particular premiere was very entertaining, we’re hoping to see a little further consistency.

If you are interested in getting some other news on “American Horror Story,” head over here for a teaser of what’s coming up in the remainder of the season! Also, sign up over here to score some other TV news on everything we cover at CarterMatt, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: FX.)