Syndicators examining ratings for the week ending Jan. 14 are surely thankful for the Trump bump.

In an overly positive week among the genres, the escalating feud between Donald Trump and the hosts of “The View” created a halo effect on a number of syndicated shows, including newsmagazines as well as “Live With Regis and Kelly.” In fact, according to Nielsen Media Research, every one of the four entertainment newsmagazines showed ratings increases that week, in which a war of words began between Mr. Trump and “The View” host Barbara Walters over her co-host, Rosie O’Donnell. Each of those newsmagazines extensively covered that tension.

“Entertainment Tonight” hit a new season high of 5.7 for distributor CBS Television Distribution, up 4 percent for the week and up 21 percent over the past two weeks. NBC Universal’s “Access Hollywood” took the second spot, rising 4 percent and edging out CBS’s “The Insider,” which scored a 2.8, up 8 percent. Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution earned a 2.3 and a 5 percent jump for “Extra.” The sole non-entertainment focused strip, “Inside Edition,” was down for the week, dipping 3 percent to a 3.5 score.

During the week, Mr. Trump appeared on Buena Vista’s “Live With Regis and Kelly” Jan. 8, which resulted in the series earning a 3.8 rating that day and a 3.6 average for the week, a hike of 24 percent.

In the talk-show genre, where none of the offerings were down for the week, two veteran series showed double-digit gains. Warners’ “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” soared 21 percent to a 2.3 rating, bolstered by the first daytime TV outing of the late Steve Irwin’s wife Terri and daughter Bindy Jan. 11. Their appearance gave the show a 2.6 score for the day. NBC Universal’s “Maury” rose 10 percent for the week to a 2.3.

Among other talk shows, CBS’s “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was up 7 percent to a 6.3 while “Dr. Phil” grew 9 percent to a 5.0. Warner Bros.’ “The Tyra Banks Show” rose 7 percent to a 1.5 and NBC Universal’s “Martha Stewart” hit a 1.4 for an 8 percent hike. Rookie series “Rachael Ray” was unchanged for the week at a 2.3 score.

Movers and shakers in other genres saw top court show “Judge Judy” hit a new season best of 5.0 in a good week for most shows in the category. Game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” grew 9 percent for the week to a 3.6 for distributor Buena Vista.

In the weekly crowd, Program Partner’s “DaVinci’s Inquest” hit a huge ratings spike, rising 31 percent to a new season high of 1.7. CBS’ “Star Trek” originals were up 36 percent to a 1.5 and “Entertainment Tonight’s” weekend edition grew 14 percent to a new season-best 3.2. Twentieth Television’s off-net runs of “24” rose 11 percent to a 2.1 for the distributor.

(Editor: Gilbert)