‘Supergirl’ kicks off the big DC/CW four-part crossover with solid ratings

The CW’s four-night superhero crossover event got a solid lead-off with “Supergirl.”

Monday’s episode of “Supergirl” pulled in a 1.1 rating in adults ages 18 to 49 and 3.51 million viewers. The numbers are up compared to last week and rival the successful numbers earned by the show’s season premiere in October.

CW’s superhero crossovers have been a staple ever since “The Flash” expanded the network’s DC universe established in “Arrow.” This year’s crossover will span all four of the CW’s DC TV shows — “Supergirl,” “The Flash,” “Arrow” and “DC Legends of Tomorrow” — over four nights, pitting the superheroes against alien invaders to save the Earth.

Of course, fans who tuned in hoping to dive right into the “Heroes v. Aliens” event were probably disappointed considering the episode did not get to the crossover part until the its final minutes. “Supergirl” diehards who have spent all season rooting for a specific romantic coupling to progress, on the other hand, were likely pleased with how the episode played out. The crossover event continues tonight with “The Flash.”

“Jane the Virgin,” which followed “Supergirl,” also saw a boost in preliminary ratings, with 0.5 in adults ages 18 to 49 and 1.24 million viewers.

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The night’s top numbers went to NBC with “The Voice” earning a 2.0 rating and 9.70 million viewers and “Timeless” pulling in 1.1 in the demo with 4.86 million viewers.

The midseason finales of Fox’s “Gotham” and “Lucifer” also saw solid numbers. “Gotham” pulled in a 1.1 in the demo (matching last week’s numbers) with 3.65 million viewers. “Lucifer,” oh the other hand, saw a slight jump in numbers with a 1.2 rating and 4.4 million viewers.

ABC’s “CMA Country Christmas” pulled in a 1.3 rating in the demo with 7.82 million viewers. While up compared to last year’s installment, these preliminary numbers might see a drop once they are adjusted for “Monday Night Football” preemptions. “Conviction,” meanwhile, came in with a 1.0 rating and 4.66 million viewers.

tracy.brown@latimes.com

Twitter: @tracycbrown