ABC's latest unscripted skein, "The Family," debuted to promising numbers Tuesday, while NBC's new version of "Let's Make a Deal" was less impressive but still a decent performer in its bow.
Fox, as usual, dominated the night with "American Idol" and "24."
"The Family," which pits members of a family opposite each other in a quest for a million bucks, led the 10 o'clock hour in adults 18-49 (4.1/12) and adults 18-34 (3.8/12), with the net's best series score in the latter since October. It averaged 9.02 million viewers overall, according to Nielsen.
This 18-49 score is below what "NYPD Blue" has averaged with original episodes in the 10 o'clock hour this season, but it's certainly an upgrade over what the longtime police show would have generated with a repeat.
'Family' in for 'Blue'
The George Hamilton-hosted "Family" will air in place of "NYPD Blue" repeats all this month before moving to a yet-to-be-announced timeslot in April (likely Thursdays at 9). Look for this skein to emerge as one of ABC's strongest ratings performers over the next two months.
Leading into "The Family" was the penultimate episode of "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here," which delivered the largest aud since its premiere (10.09 million) and ran second for the hour in adults 18-49 (4.3/11). At 8:30, "According to Jim" drew its largest aud ever for a repeat seg (10.71m).
'Idol' cools off
Fox's "American Idol" (8.5/23 in A18-49, 18.68m) cooled off a bit but remained firmly in control of the 8 o'clock hour, while "24" (6.2/16 in A18-49, 13.15m) easily led at 9 as well. The 73% retention of "Idol" among adults 18-49 is the best yet for "24."
At NBC, "Let's Make a Deal" (with reduced clearances due to a Billy Graham special) averaged a third-place 3.2/9 in adults 18-49 in its premiere -- a slight improvement over what the net has averaged in the hour. Lead-out comedy "Frasier," though, fell to an all-time low score for an original episode (4.4/11 in A18-49).
CBS was out of the game with a repeat "JAG" and the conclusion of two-part movie "Salem Witch Trials" (2.3/6 in A18-49, 6.62m).
Contact Rick Kissell at
rick.kissell@variety.com