TV

Jimmy Fallon’s first ‘Tonight Show’ scores with viewers

The reviews are in, now come the ratings.

The premiere of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” averaged 11.3 million viewers on Monday in a special midnight airing after NBC’s coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics, putting him well above his competition on his first night.

The 39-year-old Fallon’s opening night — which featured guests Will Smith and U2 — was up 71 percent from the 6.6 million viewers who tuned in for his final “Late Night” show on Feb. 7 that aired at 12:05 a.m.

It was the second-biggest “Tonight Show ” audience since May 2009. Jay Leno’s finale on Feb. 6, 2014 drew 14.6 million viewers.

As for Fallon’s late night competition at 11:35 p.m., “Late Show with David Letterman” averaged 2.4 million viewers and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” drew 2.1 million viewers.

In the adults 18-49 demo preferred by advertisers, Fallon’s debut scored a 3.8 rating, tying Leno’s finale.

“The Tonight Show” will air at midnight through Thursday, with Friday’s show moving to its regular 11:35 p.m. timeslot.