Though down from last year, the season premiere of “24” posted a solid rating and helped FOX remain competitive against NBC’s Golden Globe Awards telecast.
Leading out of a lukewarm premiere for “Human Target” (10.1 million viewers, 2.9 adults 18-49 rating), the two-hour “24” posted a 3.9 with 11.4 million viewers. “24” generally held up from start-to-finish, although it would not be unexpected for the show to take a minor ratings dip as it settles into its regular Monday night timeslot.
While the Globes (early estimates show 14.1 million viewers with a 4.7) did not manage to derail the male-skewing FOX lineup, the awards telecast did take a bite out of ABC’s lineup. The alphabet’s night opened with “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (7.3 million, 1.7), before leading into a repeat of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” “Desperate Housewives” followed with a low 3.7 rating and 11.2 million viewers, while “Brothers & Sisters” wrapped the night up with 8 million viewers and a 2.7 rating.
CBS’ night included a strong, NFL-fueled “60 Minutes” (16.7 million, 4.5) and “Cold Case” (10.7 million, 2.5).