Friday’s “Dr. Ken” premiere was not a blockbuster performer, but it did build on its “Last Man Standing” lead-in.
It also ranked as its timeslot’s #1 program.
Per fast national data, the Ken Jeong vehicle drew a 1.4 adults 18-49 rating with 6.67 million total viewers. Both numbers top those of its “Last Man Standing” lead-in, which earned a 1.2 with 6.48 million total viewers.
While its only original, big four timeslot competition came from CBS’ “Amazing Race” (1.2, 6.03 million), a victory is a victory. “Dr. Ken,” which aired from 8:30-9PM, was its timeslot’s highest-rated show.
Focus now turns to whether “Dr. Ken” can hold up in the coming weeks. Last season’s “Cristela” premiere (1.3, 6.51 million) also built on its “Last Man Standing” but fell in subsequent weeks. It failed to earn a second season.
“Dr. Ken,” moreover, will deal with competition from NBC’s “Undateable Live” in the coming weeks. There is no reason to believe it will be a massive hit in its new Friday timeslot, but as a comedy series, it still has the power to siphon viewership from “Dr. Ken.”
— ABC led out of “Dr. Ken” with “Shark Tank” (1.7, 6.73 million) and “20/20” (1.1, 4.59 million).