American Idol premiered in June 2002 and became the surprise summer hit show of 2002. The first show drew 9.9 million viewers, giving Fox the best viewing figure for the 8.30 pm spot in over a year. The audience steadily grew, and by finale night, the audience had averaged 23 million, with more than 40 million watching some part of that show. That episode was placed third amongst all age groups, but more importantly it led in the 18–49 demographic, the age group most valued by advertisers. COUNT 7
QSN1 What year did American Idol being to air on television?  ANS1 2002 QSN2 How many people watched the first episode of American Idol?  ANS2 9.9 million QSN3 How many people on average watched the American Idol finale in its first season?  ANS3 23 million QSN4 What season of the year did American Idol first air on television?  ANS4 summer QSN5 When did American Idol premiere? ANS5 June 2002 QSN6 How many people watched the first episode of American Idol? ANS6 9.9 million QSN7 What was the average for viewership by finale night? ANS7 23 million