Fox's '24' hits new high

Morning Ratings Flash - Rick Kissell

By RICK KISSELL

Fox drama '24' is hitting its stride now that it's airing behind "American Idol," with Tuesday's episode of the critically acclaimed drama drawing its best ratings ever, according to preliminary nationals from Nielsen.

After "American Idol" again dominated the 8 o'clock hour (albeit with a Tuesday season low 9.2/23 in adults 18-49, 19.7 million viewers overall), "24" followed by crushing its timeslot competish at 9 in adults 18-49 (6.6/16) and other key categories. The second-year drama was up 10% week-to-week to an all-time high in both 18-49 and total viewers (13.6 million).

CBS enjoyed one of its strongest Tuesdays in a while, moving into a tie with ABC for second in adults 25-54. Both "The Guardian" (3.4/8 in adults 18-49, 13.8 million viewers overall) and "Judging Amy" (4.3/11 in adults 18-49, 14.8 million viewers overall) led their hours in total viewers, with "The Guardian" up more than 20% week-to-week and drawing its best demo score since its season premiere in September.

NBC's limited-run series "Kingpin" ended meekly (3.4/9 in adults 18-49, 7.5 million viewers overall), placing third for the 10 p.m. hour, although it remained on top in adults and men 18-34. Lead-in laffer "A.U.S.A." (3.2/8 in adults 18-49) retained a weak 65% of its "Frasier" lead-in (4.9/12).

ABC, second for the night in adults 18-49, was led by "NYPD Blue," which took the 10 p.m. hour (4.6/12) with its best score since Dec. 10.

Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: Fox, 7.9/19; ABC, 4.1/10; NBC, 3.7/9; CBS, 3.7/9.

In total viewers: Fox, 16.6 million; CBS, 14.7 million.