“Live to Dance” performed respectably in its premiere Tuesday, but by Wednesday, the optimism had faded nearly entirely.
The CBS competition series garnered a 1.8 adults 18-49 rating with 7.79 million viewers. Expected to weaken against “American Idol” in two weeks, the hope was that the show would at least build an audience prior to the mammoth reality show’s return. Based on episode two, that hope will not be realized.
CBS’ broadcast of the People’s Choice Awards followed with a 2.7 rating and 9.48 million viewers.
Over on ABC, the Wednesday comedy lineup was universally improved for its 2011 premiere. “The Middle” opened to a 2.8 rating and 9.32 million viewers, providing solid support for “Better with You” (2.5 rating, 7.43 million). Flagship “Modern Family” dominated the evening with a 4.8 and 11.76 million, while “Cougar Town,” though disappointing from a retention standpoint, still managed an increase to a 2.9 with 6.74 million.
NBC ran “Minute to Win It” (2.2 rating, 6.78 million) and two hours of “Law & Order: SVU” (2.9 rating, 10.71 million).