"Survivor" had its lowest premiere ever -- thanks to its first debut up against "American Idol" -- but held up respectably against the Fox juggernaut.
"Survivor: Redemption Island," airing at 8 p.m., had a 3.2/9 in the 18-49 demo and 11.2 million total viewers Wednesday, compared to an 8.1/23 for "Idol," which had 22.8 million total viewers and aired from 8-10.
The premiere of "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" at 10 -- after "Idol" -- earned a 3.3/10 and 12.9 million total viewers. That was slightly better than the original "Criminal Minds," which had 3.2/9 and 12.8 against the second hour of "Idol" at 9.
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The night's highest-rated primetime show besides "Idol" ("Jeopardy" had a computer-assisted boost before primetime) was ABC's "Modern Family." The comedy had a 4.3/12 and 10.5 million total viewers at 9.
Airing after "Modern Family" at 9:30, ABC's "Mr. Sunshine" fell 30 percent from its strong premiere last week to a 2.6/7 and and 7 million total viewers.
NBC's "Minute to Win It," sacrificed at the "Idol" altar from 8-10, had a series low 1/3 and 3.6 million total viewers.
