Add ABC’s “The Gates” and “Scoundrels” to the list of summer television ratings disappointments.
The new ABC scripted series entertained few Sunday, posting numbers in-line with similar disappointments from FOX (“The Good Guys”) and NBC (“Persons Unknown”).
Facing very little competition, “Scoundrels” was nonetheless only able to score a 1.3 premiere adults 18-49 rating with 5.17 million viewers. “The Gates” followed with 4.65 million viewers and a 1.5; though the latter series’ demo rating was enough to win the 10PM hour, it is hardly a figure worthy of celebration.
Neither show was a critical darling, but by the same token, neither was written off as a creative embarrassment–“The Gates,” in fact, scored fairly positive reviews from some noteworthy critics. At the end of the day, however, the viewers spoke, and their declaration was not kind to ABC’s schedule.
Other ratings: NBC’s US Open coverage (9.62 million viewers, 2.3) and “Minute to Win It” (3.51 million viewers, 1.1); FOX’s “Til Death” (1.52 million, 0.6) and “Sons of Tucson” (1.39 million, 0.6).
Ratings Source: Mediaweek