X Factor Ratings

X RATINGS: Simon Cowell’s much-hyped The X Factor got off to a wobbly start in the ratings for Fox last night, drawing a total of 12.5 million for an 8.7 household rating (4.4 in persons 18-49), down nearly 50% from the 10th season premiere of American Idol last January, which pulled in a 16.4 rating and 26.2 million viewers without Cowell. The X Factor didn’t even win its own time slot, with 14.1 million viewers tuned to CBS’ Criminal Minds and 12.6 million to CSI, while ABC’s Emmy-sweeping Modern Family topped X Factor at 9 p.m. with a 9.8 rating and 14.4 million viewers. Of course, no one expected The X Factor to beat a brand-name show like American Idol in its first go-around, but the pressure’s on Cowell to deliver. (9/22p)