New Network Hip Hop Drama 'Empire' Opens Strong

Fox's new Hip Hop drama Empire had a very strong opening night yesterday. The Terrence Howard-led series was the most watched premiere for Fox since 2012 and it tied ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder as the highest-rated new show premiere this season.

Empire increased the audience of American Idol, its lead-in on Fox, and the new show also defeated ABC's Modern Family in head-to-head competition.

In pure numbers, 9.8 million viewers watched Empire, giving it a 3.7 rating among adults 18-49. It also held most of its audience throughout the hour, which suggests it should be able to maintain a good chunk of its viewership in week 2.

Did you see Empire last night? If so, what did you think? (We can probably guess what 50 Cent thinks.)