Ratings Chart Attack!

NBC’s “Heroes” faltered in its second week, grabbing its lowest rating for an original episode to date, while neither “Chuck” nor “Life” increased from last year’s debuts.

“Heroes” took in a 4.4 rating/10 share in the 18- to 49-year-old demographic, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research data.

Compared to last week’s two-hour premiere, Monday’s “Heroes” slid 12% to its lowest rating ever.

“Chuck” (2.6/7) returned to the schedule after its strike-shortened run last year to a decline of 28% from its start last September.

A special Monday showing of “Life” (2.7/7) slipped 33% from its Wednesday premiere last year, but fell close to its season average. The police drama airs again this week in its regular Friday slot. NBC placed third with a nightly average of 3.2/8.

First-place CBS saw week-to-week drops for its entire lineup. “The Big Bang Theory” (3.3/9) and “How I Met Your Mother” (3.7/9) dropped 8%, “Two and a Half Men” (4.7/11) slipped 11% and “Worst Week” (3.1/7) took an 18% downturn from last week’s premiere.

“CSI: Miami” (4.3/11) leveled out from its high premiere, declining 17% to stay near its previous average.

CBS took home a 3.9/10 nightly average.

ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” (4.5/11) dropped 15% week-to-week, marking the show’s largest decline from week one to week two. “Boston Legal” (2.3/6) aired near its previous average. ABC was a close second on the night with a 3.8/10.

Fox’s “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (2.0/5) and “Prison Break” (2.0/5) both suffered declines, dropping 13% and 20%, respectively. Fox placed fourth with a 2.0/5.

As the shine of last week’s season premieres fades, The CW’s “Gossip Girl” (1.9/5) and “One Tree Hill” (1.9/4) enjoyed increases of 19% and 27% from last week. In The CW’s key demographic of women 18-34, “Gossip” held steady with a 3.8/10, while “Hill” gained 15% with a 3.8/10.

“Hill” had its best performance in both adults 18-49 and women 18-34 in nearly two years.

The CW placed fifth in adults 18-49 with a 1.9/5.