The future isn't looking especially bright for CBS drama "Century City," which bowed weakly Tuesday opposite Fox's "American Idol" juggernaut.
According to Nielsen nationals, the futuristic legal series averaged a 2.1 rating/6 share in adults 18-49 -- the lowest premiere result for an Eye drama in at least five years -- and 8.86 million viewers overall. It ranked fourth or fifth for its 9 o'clock hour in key demographics, including 25-54 (3.1/7), and second in total viewers.
"City" retained just 68% of its solid 18-49 lead-in from "Navy NCIS" (3.1/8, 13.29 million viewers overall) in an hour where regular slot occupant "The Guardian" had averaged 90%.
Of course, "The Guardian" didn't have to contend regularly with "American Idol," which was extended to two hours Tuesday. But in a similar situation a year ago, "The Guardian" held on to 90% of its firstrun "JAG" lead-in.
"Century City," which gets a special post-college basketball airing Saturday at 10, is scheduled to air on Tuesdays until "The Guardian" returns in a month.
As for "Idol," the music talent show phenomenon racked up huge numbers for its two hours, including an 11.3/28 in adults 18-49 (up 13% vs. the same night a year ago), a 12.2/27 in adults 25-54 and a 10.2/30 in persons 12-34.
And in overall total viewers, its 26.72 million made it Fox's largest ever Tuesday audience -- including World Series telecasts.
Elsewhere, in its penultimate episode of the season, UPN's "America's Next Top Model" tied with NBC's comedies for third in 18-49 during the 9 o'clock hour (2.7/7) and placed second in 18-34 (3.5/10). Unfortunately for "Model," which appeared poised to set some network records, its finale will oppose another two-hour episode of "Idol" next week.
In Tuesday's 9 o'clock comedy battle, ABC's "According to Jim" (3.4/8 in 18-49) easily disposed of NBC's "Frasier" (2.6/6), as the Peacock vet fell to a firstrun series low less than two months from its finale.
Contact Rick Kissell at
rick.kissell@variety.com