Cue the jokes about how ABC’s “Happy Town” did not score a rating that lives up to its name. The mystery series, which was promoted identically to CBS’s 2009 disappointment “Harper’s Island,” opened with just a 1.7 adults 18-49 rating and 5.23 million viewers.
With the ratings almost sure to drop next week, “Happy Town” joins “Eastwick” and “Ugly Betty” in furthering ABC’s struggle to build an audience for its 10PM hour on Wednesdays.
The news was not all bad, however, as ABC’s flagship comedy posted a fantastic number. “Modern Family” made a big gain to a 4.1 rating with 9.82 million viewers.
Lead-out “Cougar Town” was passable with a 2.8 and 6.45 million viewers, while “The Middle” led into “Family” with a 2.4 and 7.11 million viewers.
Over on FOX, “American Idol” rose to a 6.5 and 19.39 million viewers. The telecast, which saw the elimination of Siobhan Magnus, showed a stronger ability to retain audience from Tuesday’s performance show (which drew 19.41 million viewers and a 6.9 Tuesday) than any other results show this season.
The CW aired “America’s Next Top Model” (3.27 million, 1.4), “Fly Girls” (1.03 million, 0.4) and “High Society” (.91 million viewers, 0.4).