EMPIRE was a genuine hit in its first season, building on its own ratings week after week (basically an unheard of accomplishment in television). When it returned last night for its second season, it dropped very slightly in overall viewers compared to its first season finale, but it held its demo numbers.
In terms of total viewers, Fox won the night (11.7 million) followed by CBS (8.1 million), NBC (7.8 million) and ABC (7.1 million). See all numbers below (live + same day total viewers & adults 18-49 ratings).
ABC
8 p.m. The Middle 8.2 million, 2.1 rating
8:30 p.m. The Goldbergs 7.6 million, 2.4 rating
9 p.m. Modern Family 9.3 million, 3.1 rating
9:30 p.m. Black-ish 7.3 million, 2.4 rating
10 p.m. Nashville 5.0 million, 1.3 rating
CBS
8 p.m. Survivor 9.8 million, 2.4 rating
9:30 p.m. Big Brother finale 6.5 million, 2.2 rating
Fox
8 p.m. Rosewood 7.4 million, 2.4 rating
9 p.m. Empire 16.0 million, 6.5 rating
NBC
8 p.m. The Mysteries of Laura 6.9 million, 1.2 rating
9 p.m. Law & Order: SVU 8.2 million, 1.7 rating
In addition, Nielson reports that the following shows/specials were the most tweeted about of the night:
(1) EMPIRE
(2) BIG BROTHER
(3) LAW & ORDER: SVU
(4) SURVIVOR
(5) SOUTH PARK