While “V” no longer has the valuable benefit of a “Lost” lead-in, even the most mildly optimistic expectations for its second season premiere were not achieved in reality.
“V” returned Tuesday to a mere 2.1 adults 18-49 rating with 6.59 million viewers. Though the performance is not awful within the context of ABC’s Tuesday night lineup, at such a modest figure, “V” showed no serious “return spike” and thus did not necessarily justify its questionable second season renewal.
In looking for positives, ABC can note that “V” built on its “No Ordinary Family” lead-in among young adult viewers (1.9 rating, 6.75 million).
Elsewhere, new Paula Abdul dancing series “Live to Dance” posted solid viewership figures but failed to make a significant mark in the young adults demographic. The two-hour premiere averaged a lukewarm 2.4 rating with 10.22 million viewers, a decent overall performance that nonetheless gives no indication that “Dance” can compete head-to-head with “American Idol” later this month.
From 8-10, NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples,” though down markedly from last year’s premiere, proved to be the more compelling competition series for the coveted 18-49 demo. It averaged a 3.3 adults 18-49 rating with 8.74 million viewers. “Parenthood” followed with an improved 2.3 rating and 6.03 million viewers, winning its timeslot against an “NCIS” re-run and “Detroit 1-8-7” (1.2 rating, 5.16 million viewers).