“The Chicago Code” bowed before millions of eyeballs Monday, but its weak demographic retention out of “House” might speak negatively about its prospects.
In most cases, it would be hard to argue against a series that drew 9.40 million viewers in the very competitive 9PM slot on Monday. But in posting only a 2.4 adults 18-49 rating, “Code” dropped significantly from the 4.3 with 12.32 million posted by veteran “House.” The show’s decline over the hour, while somewhat unavoidable due to the tune-out from “House” viewers, is still far from the greatest sign regarding a show’s long-term prospects.
Based on the big increase over its last original, “House” appears to have benefited slightly from FOX’s Super Bowl promotion, which included an amusing homage to the classic Mean Joe Green ad.
NBC’s “Chuck” (1.7, 5.42 million) and “The Cape” (1.3, 4.56 million) landed in their usual realm of disappointment, but “Harry’s Law” was no longer as significant a saving grace. Faced with originals from “Hawaii 5-0” and “Castle” (the first time it battled both), “Law” placed a distant third in the demo, dropping to a 1.7 with 9.14 million viewers.
NBC’s plans for “Harry’s Law” will tell an interesting ratings story, as it truly is an example of a show that is doing all the right things from a viewership perspective but completely underwhelming within the all-important, advertiser-friendly 18-49 demo.