Though the overnights painted a favorable picture, it turns out NBC’s new 8PM comedy hour did not bow too impressively.
The relocated “Whitney” averaged a 2.1 adults 18-49 rating and 6.1 million viewers, while the debut of “Are You There, Chelsea?” was good for a 2.3 and 6.4 million. While “Whitney” improved slightly from some of its most recent post-“The Office” numbers and “Chelsea” performed far better than “Free Agents” did in the slot, it is worth noting that both will begin facing “American Idol” in the slot next week.
FOX’s monster reality will very likely hurt NBC’s comedy ratings, at least slightly, and if Wednesday’s premiere ratings were inflated at all due to curiosity in the new Chelsea Handler-Laura Prepon series, the drop could be notable in the coming weeks.
That said, if “Chelsea” can hold within a 15-20% radius, it will probably squeak out a renewal.
ABC’s 8PM hour dominated that of NBC, with “The Middle” averaging a 3.0 and 9.6 million viewers and “Suburgatory” scoring a 2.9 and 9.0 million.
9PM flagship “Modern Family,” meanwhile, turned away last week’s growth, falling to a 5.1 rating with 12.3 million. “Happy Endings” followed at a 3.1 and 7.1 million, while “Revenge” closed out the night with a 2.4 and 7.5 million.
