TV Tuesday: Muppets Backlash, SHIELD Debuts

When its debut episode raked in big-time ratings, The Muppets looked like a legitimate hit for ABC, but the series also generated some controversy. The ratings for the series' second episode suggest that the controversy might be more than an insignificant PR blip.

The second episode of The Muppets drew 5.8 million total viewers and earned a 2.0 rating in the 18-49 age demographic. That's a drop of nearly 30 percent from the ratings of the show's premiere episode. The series has taken criticism for its adult-oriented tone, which some vocal fans believe is contrary to the spirit of the Muppets, and it's possible that a large portion of the initial audience was turned off by the contemporary take on the characters.

Later in the night, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. debuted opposite a new episode of Scream Queens on Fox. The latter series has struggled so far despite the social media buzz surrounding it, and this week neither it nor SHIELD could challenge NCIS: New Orleans in the 9 pm slot.

Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris won the 10 pm slot against Limitless on CBS and a rerun of Quantico on ABC. Harris' variety show continues to benefit from a strong lead-in from The Voice, which easily won the night overall.