Ratings Chart Attack!

NBC’s “Heroes,” which was one of the biggest shows to have its season cut short by the writers strike, re-emerged on the schedule Monday night to a 4.9 rating/12 share in the 18- to 49-year-old demographic, according to Nielsen Media Research.

After being off the air for nine months, the show dipped 25% from its previous season premiere. However, it was down just one-tenth of a ratings point from its last airing on Dec. 3, 2007.

As for the rest of the night’s premieres:

—ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” opened its new season to a 5.3/13, down 9% from its last start. “Boston Legal,” with a 2.5/6, began on par with its last season opener in 2007.

—CBS’ comedy block also returned, with “The Big Bang Theory” (3.6/10), “How I Met Your Mother” (4.0/10), “Two and a Half Men” (5.3/12) and the premiere of “Worst Week” (3.8/9). “Theory” ended just one-tenth of a ratings point shy of its premiere last year, when it aired at 8:30 p.m. behind "Mother." “Mother” increased 21% from last year’s 8 p.m. start, while “Men” jumped 10% from its previous season premiere.

Facing stronger competition, The CW’s “Gossip Girl” fell 9% in the key demo of women 18-34 from its record-setting numbers last week, bringing in a 3.9/11. “One Tree Hill” slid 14% in that same demo, ending the night with a 3.7/9.

However, Fox’s “Terminator” (2.2/6) and “Prison Break” (2.5/6) looked strong against the competition, both finishing one-tenth of a ratings point ahead of last week’s numbers.

For the night, CBS took first place with a nightly average of 4.5/11. ABC placed second with a 4.3/11, followed by NBC with a 4.1/10. Fox grabbed fourth with a 2.4/6 and The CW landed in fifth with a 1.5/4.