Like many of its network counterparts, USA Network hit “Royal Pains” took a ratings hit for its non-summer premiere.
Having run its initial two sets of episodes in the summer, Thursday’s midseason opener marked the medical-themed dramedy’s first foray into the winter broadcast season. Though the show still drew solid viewership numbers for a cable series, its audience average of 4.43 million was down from its summer averages.
The adults 18-49 rating clocked in at a lukewarm 1.1, further cementing the fact that the show is better suited for the summer.
Notable about the mediocre opener is the fact that timeslot competitor “Grey’s Anatomy,” which could potentially have some overlap with “Pains,” did not air an original episode on ABC Thursday. FOX, meanwhile, only broadcast a one-hour version of “American Idol” that kept “Pains” free from the reality juggernaut.
Given the aforementioned “Royal Pains” lead-in, new series “Fairly Legal” held up as well as could be expected with a 1.1 rating and 3.88 million viewers. Though not an obvious, runaway hit, “Fairly Legal”‘s retention was admirable.