'American Horror Story' Premiere Draws 3.2 Million for FX

Robert Zuckerman/FX

"American Horror Story"

FX's American Horror Story got off to a good start on Wednesday night.

Attracting 3.2 million total viewers to its premiere telecast at 10 p.m., Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's new horror drama averaged 2 million among adults 18-49, steady with the series debuts of Murphy's Nip/Tuck, which ran for several seasons on the cable network.

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Compared to the launch of Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story improved 33 percent in the demo (1.5 million vs. 2 million).

On premiere night (including encores), American Horror Story drew 5 million viewers with 3.2 million in 18-49.

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“We’re really thrilled by the premiere ratings performance of American Horror Story,” said John Landgraf, president and general manager at FX Networks. “We know that when the Live+7 ratings come in, that of the 13 drama series FX has premiered, AHS will rank at least number two all-time in adults 18-49 behind The Shield, and there is a possibility that it could be our highest ever.”

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Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott lead the ensemble cast that includes Jessica Lange and Denis O'Hare.