“Suits,” “Wilfred” Open to Strong Ratings, “Louie” Improves

While retention is always a challenge, and could especially threaten the long-term success of the latter, new cable series “Suits” and “Wilfred” got off to solid starts in the ratings Thursday.

USA Network’s new legal series “Suits” opened to a healthy 4.64 million viewers with a 1.6 adults 18-49 rating. Though down from its powerhouse “Burn Notice” lead-in (5.17 million viewers, 1.7 rating), its opener remains solid for a cable premiere.

With feedback from viewers largely coming in well, the show should also be immune from a massive second-week tune-out.

FX’s new comedy “Wilfred,” meanwhile, delivered a strong 2.53 million viewers with a 1.2 adults 18-49 rating, which was the best comedy premiere to-date for the cable network. Given the curiosity buzz behind the Australian adaptation’s unusual gimmick, it should be interesting to see if the premiere was enough to hook viewers for episode two.

With its solid lead-in, “Louie” was able to deliver a 0.8 rating and 1.57 million viewers, a single-telecast high for the series.