(AllHipHop News) Some TV insiders suspected the success of Fox’s new series Empire was partly due to the show’s lead-in American Idol. This week’s episode shatters that theory as the Lee Daniels-produced program brought in more total viewers than the long-running singing competition show for the first time.

[ALSO READ: Will The Cast Of “Empire” Head Out On A Real Life Music Tour?]

According to The Hollywood Reporter, 11.3 million viewers watched the “False Imposition” episode of Empire as compared to 11 million for Idol. This is the fourth week in a row Empire‘s audience has increased. Also, the series’ premiere has now reached 20.4 million viewers across all media platforms.

The ratings for the family drama starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson has been a hit out the gate. Empire was the biggest launch for Fox since 2012. The network has already renewed the show for a second season.