While CBS’ Monday comedy lineup fell from its prior-year premiere marks, ABC’s flagship Wednesday roster was a mixed bag.
According to TV Media Insights, an hour-long edition of “The Middle” kicked the evening off with a 6.2 overnight metered market rating. That marks a slight decline from the prior year’s 6.7 to what will likely still be a decent number in adults 18-49. (Update: “The Middle” drew a solid, but unspectacular 2.8 adults 18-49 rating)
An additional positive, at least far as the overnights go, is that “Middle” solidly defeated NBC’s freshmen tandem “Animal Practice” (3.9) and “Guys with Kids” (3.6). The race could be closer in adults 18-49, but neither of those shows performed admirably–with “Practice” landing below what “Up All Night” achieved in the timeslot premiere last season and “Kids” just barely beating short-lived “Free Agents.” (Update: Both shows flopped in adults 18-49; “Practice” drew a 1.4 and “Guys” a 1.6)
“The Middle” led into Emmy-king “Modern Family,” which delivered an impressive 10.2 overnight rating. Up slightly from the prior year, “Modern Family” will surely win the night in adults 18-49. (Update: “Modern Family” opened to a 5.5 adults 18-49 rating, which was actually down by about 10% from last year’s 6.1. This was a case of the overnight numbers not well-reflecting demo performance.)
Critically-panned new series “The Neighbors” debuted afterwards with a 6.5 rating. The retention out of “Modern Family” left a lot to be desired, but that number did beat the 5.2 for the “Happy Endings” opener last season. (Update: “Neighbors” started with a 3.3 rating in the key 18-49 demo)
