Fox’s ‘X Factor’ eclipsed by comedies in the ratings

Simon Cowell told the Hollywood Reporter back in August that an audience of less than 20 million for the launch of his “X Factor” would be a flat-out “disappointment.” Turns out, “X Factor” — which Simon wants to displace his old program, “American Idol,” as the biggest show on TV — attracted 11.9 million viewers Wednesday night as it began its second week on the air. And a week earlier, Simon’s ...