“Legend of the Seeker” rode in with a strong ratings showing for its premiere, while “Deal or No Deal” and “The Doctors” showed growth during the week ending Nov. 9, a week rife with preemptions.
Disney-ABC’s “Seeker” premiered during the weekend of Nov. 1 to a 2.9 household rating, according to Nielsen Media Research data, drawing 4.2 million viewers.
The household start puts it 53% higher than the premiere of the last original weekend scripted syndicated show, MGM’s “She Spies,” in 2002.
As for the daily shows, the week ending Nov. 9 was rough for a fair amount of programs as election coverage preempted several days during the week, even though it’s the first full week of November sweeps.
Despite that, NBC Universal Television Distribution’s “Deal or No Deal” increased 8% week-to-week to a 1.8, while CBS Television Distribution’s “The Doctors” moved up by 7% to a series-high 1.6.
“The Doctors” has been showing traction, posting its highest overnight metered rating, a 2.1/6, on Monday, Nov. 17.
The rest of the rookies in syndication stayed flat, with the exception of Program Partners’ “Family Court With Judge Penny,” which declined 17% to a 0.5.
In talk, CBS Television Distribution’s “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (5.9) and “Dr. Phil” (3.6) increased to season highs, up 18% and 6%, respectively, week-to-week.
“Phil” scored big during the week with an interview with Drew Peterson, whose wife disappeared almost exactly one year ago from the airing of the show Monday, Nov. 10.
Disney-ABC’s “Live With Regis and Kelly” dipped 7% to a 2.7, while Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution’s “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” was flat at a 2.4.
CBS’ “The Rachael Ray Show” and NBCU’s “Maury” tied at a 1.8, holding steady from the previous week. NBCU’s “The Jerry Springer Show” and “The Steve Wilkos Show” and Warner Bros.’ “Tyra” also tied, as “Springer” and “Tyra” declined 9%, matching “Wilkos’” flat 1.0.
Twentieth Television’s “The Morning Show With Mike and Juliet” moved up 13% to a 0.9, while NBCU’s “Martha” held at a 0.7.
In court, CBS’ “Judge Judy” continues her 2-to-1 rule over her closest competitor, moving down 4% to a 4.3, compared to “Judge Joe Brown’s” 2.1, declining 9%.
Sony Pictures Television’s “The People’s Court” was flat with a 2.0, while Warner Bros.’ “Judge Mathis” dipped 6% to a 1.7. Twentieth Television’s “Judge Alex” (1.6) and “Divorce Court” (1.4) stayed flat, and “Cristina’s Court” (1.0) declined 9%. Sony’s “Judge David Young” increased 14% to a 0.8.
It was a rough week for entertainment shows, as fringe programming saw several preemptions. CBS’ “Entertainment Tonight” (4.4) stayed steady with its season high from last week. “Inside Edition” (2.8) dropped 3%, while Warner Bros.’ “TMZ” (2.0) dipped 5%.
CBS’ “The Insider” (1.9) held from last week and NBC Universal’s “Access Hollywood” (1.9) slipped 10%. Warner Bros.’ “Extra” was hammered the hardest, losing out in 12 big markets during the week, and dropped 17% to a 1.5.
Joining the fringe declines are the game shows, as CBS’ “Wheel of Fortune” (6.9) and “Jeopardy!” (5.6) and Disney-ABC’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (2.5) all fell, down a respective 5%, 10% and 4% week-to-week. Debmar’s “Family Feud” (1.5) stayed flat.