"Legion" finally premiered on FX this week, and although the series has proven to be a critical darling, it didn't prove to be a clear hit with audiences. The first episode premiered to 1.6 million live viewers and a 0.8 in the key 18-49 demo, and while those aren't necessarily terrible ratings for a cable series, it is worth noting that the numbers are lower than FX's "Bastard Executioner" pulled in prior to being canceled.
For comparison's sake, showrunner Noah Hawley's other FX series, "Fargo", with 2.7 million live viewers and a 0.8 in the 18-49 demo.
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It is important to note, however, that FX only reports same day ratings and Live+3 day ratings, and not Live+7 ratings most other networks tout. Thus, it's hard to know just how much the series will grow via delayed viewing. While live ratings are still a huge factor in a show's future on a network, delayed viewing can also play a big factor in the decision about whether to keep a series on the air.
Created by Noah Hawley, "Legion" stars Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Jean Smart, and Aubrey Plaza. The series is based on the character created by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz. The character first appeared in 1985's New Mutants #25.
"Legion" is the first live-action X-Men series for Fox, with another currently on the way from X-Men movie helmer Bryan Singer.
Via Deadline.