NBC newcomer "Trauma" failed to break out in its debut Monday, but CBS’s "Big Bang Theory" is approaching supernova status in its new 9:30 p.m. timeslot.
Here’s a first look at the fast national numbers (Nielsen processing issues caused a delay in today’s report):
–NBC’s "Heroes" (2.5/6, 5.8 million) dropped a modest 10 percent in its first week at 8 p.m., but ranked fourth in the timeslot. The bad news for NBC: New drama "Trauma" (2.3/6, 6.9 million) failed to build on its lead-in among viewers under 50 and dropped at the half-hour. This was one of NBC’s biggest hopes for a hit this fall.
The Jay Leno/Future of Television Watch (TM), Sponsored by Fame, Now in Theaters: 1.8/5 demo rating, 5.6 million.
–CBS’s move of "BBT" (5.1/12, 13 million) is paying off big-time. Not only did the show improve on its "Two and a Half Men" (4.7/11, 13.6 million) in younger viewers, but it actually built over last week’s premiere. Very, very impressive.
At 10 p.m., "CSI: Miami" (4.1/11, 13.4 million) easily won the timeslot.
–Fox’s "House" (5.7/15, 14.4 million) remains on fire, dominating at 8 p.m. and ranking as the biggest scripted show of the night. It was down from last week, but that was a two-hour premiere.
At 9 p.m., "Lie to Me" (2.9/7, 7.7 million) had trouble holding on to its massive lead-in and fell to third in the timeslot. Not a disaster, but not cause for glee, either (though Fox notes the number is up 38 percent over what the fading "Prison Break" averaged).
Maybe Fox will move the red-hot (buzzwise) "Fringe" here? Or is that just wishful thinking for us "Fringe" fanatics?
–ABC was consistent with "Dancing with the Stars" (3.6/9, 16.67 million), which fell a little more than 10 percent in the demo but was the night’s No. 1 show overall in viewers.
In a hopeful sign, "Castle" (2.3/6 , 9.5 million) held steady with its week-ago numbers.
