Finally, the boringness of the holidays and endless re-runs is starting to end. Last night, two networks even premiered new shows.
Fox benefitted greatly for an overrun of its NFL game, leading to huge ratings for “The Simpsons” and leadout “Bob’s Burgers,” in its first episode. I doubt it can sustain a 4.5 rating, but if it doesn’t drop too much, it will be back next year, spelling trouble for “American Dad.”
“The Cape” can only be considered a success for NBC. It averaged a 2.6 rating over 2 hours, which would be one of the highest rated shows on NBC any week. That it sustained the audience the full two hours is a good sign, but NBC will be watching the show in the coming weeks to see if it slips, much like “The Event.”
ABC maintained its weakening Sunday position, though “Desperate Housewives” and “Brothers and Sisters” remained steady.
8 pm
The Simpsons: 5.7 demo, 12.6 million viewers
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: 2.6 demo, 9.1 million viewers
CSI: Miami: 2.5 rating, 11.9 million viewers
Dateline NBC: 1.5 rating, 7.2 million viewers
8:30 pm
Bob’s Burgers: 4.5 demo, 9.4 million viewers
9 pm
Family Guy: 4.7 demo, 9.3 million viewers
Desperate Housewives: 3.8 demo, 12.7 million viewers
Undercover Boss: 3.0 demo, 11.6 million viewers
The Cape: 2.6 demo, 8.5 million viewers
9:30 pm
Cleveland Show: 3.5 demo, 7.4 million viewers
10 pm
The Cape: 2.6 demo, 8.3 million viewers
Brothers and Sisters: 2.3 demo, 8.4 million viewers
Criminal Minds (Rerun): 1.8 demo, 7 million viewers