Hit rookies help brand their nets
Each new show recalls themes of past successful series
While there are no runaway hits like "CSI" from last year, each network can point to at least one series that has made a significant impression -- and is a lock to return next season.
And an identifying trait of each is that they recall themes and other elements of series that have proven successful on their respective nets before.
In fact -- like most hit shows -- it's hard to imagine them on any other network.
Two of the top new series, NBC's "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and UPN's Star Trek entry "Enterprise," came with a built-in awareness factor.
"Enterprise's" bow in September gave UPN its highest-rated night since -- no surprise here -- the launch of "Star Trek: Voyager" in January 1995. Drama, starring Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, is now the netlet's No. 1 show, topping its hour in men 18-49 and men 25-54, according to Nielsen.
Compared to "Voyager's" perfs on Wednesday last season, "Enterprise" is up by more than 50% in key demos.
'Order' at Peacock
And at NBC, although "Crossing Jordan" and "Scrubs" have performed similarly well, it's "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" that heads into the new year with the most momentum.
The steady third edition of the franchise has been winning its Sunday 9 o'clock hour in total viewers, up about 12% vs. the net's movie of a year ago. The Peacock hasn't had a viable Sunday series in years, but the "L&O" banner has brought it instant credibility.
Here's a look at the top rookies at the other nets:
ABC: At first glance, Jim Belushi laffer "According to Jim" looked like a cookie-cutter laffer, but it's the kind of blue collar family-with-kids show that auds crave from ABC.
Teamed with compatible lead-in "My Wife and Kids" on Wednesday, "Jim" has given an otherwise struggling net its strongest hour for the future. It leads its 8:30 time period in adults 18-49, usually retaining all of its "Wife" lead-in.
Success of this show has turned on some lights at ABC, as execs have stated a desire to return to the net's roots of family and fun.
CBS: "The Guardian," with Simon Baker as a well-intentioned lawyer caught between a lucrative career at his father's law firm and required community service work for a child advocacy office, was the only new Eye series that had that CBS feel. It's become not only the net's rookie-class savior but also the most-watched new drama on any net.
Although ABC's late sked switcheroo put "NYPD Blue" directly opposite it, "Guardian" continues to provide CBS with sizable year-to-year gains on Tuesday -- up vs. last season's "60 Minutes II" by about 25% in adults 18-49.
Fox: The net that's mastered edgy family comedy from a distinct point of view ("The Simpsons," "Malcolm in the Middle," "Titus") hit another bull's eye with the clever "Bernie Mac Show," in which the comedian suddenly finds himself playing father to his sister's three young kids.
Airing in a key 9 o'clock slot on Wednesday after just a short time on the air, "Bernie" is the No. 1 choice in the time slot in adults 18-34 (both men and women) and teens.
The WB: Continuing the net's success with pretty teens in uplifting family dramas ("7th Heaven," "Gilmore Girls"), young Superman tale "Smallville" may be the most impressive of all rookies.
Starring Tom Welling as the Teen of Steel, show has become the Frog's No. 1 series in adults 18-34 and all male demos and has helped the WB improve on its Tuesday scores of a year ago -- despite losing "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
