“American Idol,” “NCIS” Ratings Strong as “Lost” Impresses

While the talk of the ratings world was the strong performance for ABC’s “Lost”–the show averaged 12.1 million viewers and a 5.6 adults 18-49 rating, a ratings increase of about 10 percent from last year–the ABC serialized drama was not the night’s only standout.

FOX’s “American Idol” continued its strength with 24.4 million viewers and an 8.9 rating at 8PM. It led into “Kitchen Nightmares” (9.3 million, 3.9), which was successful in a vaccuum but disappointing as a lead-out, holding onto only 42% of the 8:30-9PM demo audience from “Idol.”

Over on CBS, powerhouse “NCIS” was strong with 19.1 million viewers and a 4.3 at 8PM. “NCIS: LA” followed with 16.4 million viewers and a 3.6, while “The Good Wife” was good for 12.7 million and a 2.6 at 10PM.

NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” averaged a 3.7 rating with 9.4 million viewers from 9-11PM, a success given the heavy competition. The show’s demographic held steady from start-to-finish, while viewership trailed off at the end after peaking from 9:30-10 with 9.7 million.

In addition to airing the “Lost” season premiere, ABC also ran a recap special that posted an astounding 4.1 rating with 9.9 million viewers up against both “Idol” and “NCIS.”

— The half-hour breakdown for the season premiere of “Lost”
9PM – 12.6 million, 5.7
9:30Pm – 12.3 million, 5.6
10PM – 11.6 million, 5.4
10:30Pm – 11.9 million, 5.6