If there were ever a case in which the “wait-and-see how the fast nationals shake out” argument matters, it is in regards to the Wednesday ratings.
But as of right now, TV Media Insights reports that ABC’s “Modern Family” can actually claim victory over FOX’s heavily-hyped import of “The X Factor.” In the overnight metered market ratings, which attempt to track overall household performance (not the rating in the adults 18-49 demo), “Family” garnered a 9.8 rating at 9PM, which outpaces the hourly 8.7 for “Factor.”
(Update: “Modern Family” garnered a series-high 6.0 in adults 18-49)
Thanks to a very strong promotional campaign, solid reviews and the hefty “Modern Family” lead-in, ABC’s new drama “Revenge” looks to have started strong at a 7.0 overnight rating. Obviously, the quick burnout of “Eastwick” in that timeslot reveals that a solid premiere is no guarantee of a season-long hit, but at least the show started much better than “The Whole Truth” did last year.
(Update: “Revenge” posted a 3.4 in adults 18-49)
Earlier in the night, “The Middle” had a solid, hour-long bow with a 6.7 rating, beating NBC’s new comedy competitors “Up All Night” (4.7) and the seemingly-DOA “Free Agents” (3.3).
NBC followed “Free Agents” with “Harry’s Law.” Though its overnight rating of a 5.5 could prove promising, fans should definitely wait before getting excited. “Harry’s Law” was extremely old-skewing last season, and if that skew continues in the new timeslot, a 5.5 household number would actually forecast a very soft performance in adults 18-49. (Sure enough, it turns out the show did a disastrous 1.2 in the demo)
“Law & Order: SVU” opened to the same 5.5 number, which is not a great performance for the veteran series.
