Scandal’s third season got off to a good start on ABC in the U.S. on October 3, 2013, achieving a 3.6 adult 18-49 rating, the drama’s highest rating ever 
 
Scandal currently ranks as the No. 1 returning drama of the 2013/ 2014 season, trumping NCIS’s 3.4 a18-49 premiere on September 24, 2013, according to Disney Media Distribution. 
 
The DMD drama out-performed its Season 2 opener, up +71% with adults 18-49. 
 

(Source: Nielsen Ratings/ ABC Research/ DMD Research 
Data refers to viewing that was live, or PVR viewing that occurred on the same day as live broadcast.)