Strong Start for ‘American Horror Story'

Cable television demonstrated again Wednesday night that it can produce powerhouse drama that can match or exceed anything on network television â€" the latest example being the new season of the FX drama “American Horror Story.”

The premiere attracted the biggest audience in that show's history Wednesday, pulling in 5.54 million viewers, up 44 percent over the show's previous high of 3.85 million. In the financially crucial department of viewers between the ages of 18 and 49, the show topped everything on broadcast television Wednesday night except “Modern Family” on ABC. "American Horror Story'' was watched by 3.87 million viewers in that age group, up from its previous best of 2.04 million.