ABC - NETWORKS RELIEVED BY EARLY RATINGS

NETWORKS RELIEVED BY EARLY RATINGS

Despite mostly negative critical reaction to the networks' new programs for the fall, ratings indicate that after the first two weeks of the season it all amounts to "so far so good." Broadcasting & Cable observed that the mere fact that no "precipitous ratings declines" occurred in week two -- after viewers got their first look at the new fare -- "represents success so far." Particularly impressive, the trade publication noted, was the performance of CBS, which saw NCIS rise to the top of the ratings list even though the unheralded show is in its sixth season. Even more impressive is that spinoff NCIS Los Angeles remains the top newcomer of the season, ranking just behind NCIS itself. Oddly, the network is showing its greatest weakness on Thursday night -- a night it once dominated. Last week ABC's FlashForward tied CBS's Survivor at 8 00 p.m., while ABC's Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice beat CBS's CSI Crime Scene Investigation and The Mentalist.

05/10/2009