The network nabbed the first night of the traditional television season outright, thanks mostly to “The Voice.” CBS put up a fight — particularly from “The Big Bang Theory” — but ultimately had to settle for second place in both the key 18-49 demographic and among total viewers. The Jim Parsons-Johnny Galecki sitcom actually slipped 23 percent in the man demo year over year. It was down 15 percent among all viewers.
ABC and “Dancing With the Stars” came in third, with Fox bringing up the Big 4 rear.
NBC was first in ratings with a 3.0 rating/10 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and in total viewers with an average of 10.7 million, according to preliminary numbers. “The Voice” at 8 p.m. ET scored a 3.3/11 and 12 million viewers. “The Good Place” premiere at 10 posted a 2.6/8 and 9 million viewers. A second episode at 10:30 slipped to a 2.0/7 and 7.1 million viewers.
CBS was second in ratings with a 2.2 and in viewers with 10 million. “The Big Bang Theory” at 8 p.m. ET put up a 3.6/13 and 15.4 million viewers. At 8:30, “Kevin Can Wait” debuted to a 2.6/9 and 11.2 million viewers. The first hour of CBS’ JonBenet Ramsey special had a 1.8/6 and 7.9 million viewers; Hour 2 got the same rating/share but rose to 8.7 million viewers.
ABC was third in ratings with a 1.4/5 and in viewers with 8.6 million. “Dancing With the Stars” at 8 p.m. ET landed a 1.7/6 and 10.6 million viewers. The “Match Game” finale at 10 received a 0.9/3 and 4.7 million viewers.
Fox was fourth in ratings with a 1.3/4 and in viewers with 4.1 million. The “Gotham” premiere at 8 p.m. ET had a 1.2/4 and 3.8 million viewers. At 9, “Lucifer’s” season opened to a 1.3/4 and 4.4 million viewers.
Telemundo was fifth in ratings with a 0.8/3 and in viewers with 1.83 million.
Univision was sixth in ratings with a 0.6/2 and in viewers with 1.75 million.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.3/1 and in viewers with 1.1 million, running reruns.
13 New Fall TV Shows, Ranked From Best to Worst by Critics (Photos)
Critics are sorting the good from the bad of the new fall TV season. Here's a ranking, using scores (based on a 100-point scale) from the aggregation site Metacritic.
"Luke Cage" (Netflix) -81
Yes, another superhero franchise. But critics are crazy about this comic caper. "A breakthrough for Marvel," wrote one.
"This Is Us" (NBC) – 76
NBC's contemporary drama already has big fans among critics. "These characters feel real," one reviewer wrote.
"Speechless" (ABC) – 75 (tie)
Reviewers are pretty high on this family sitcom. "'Speechless' is a wry, nimble comedy," according to one.
"The Good Place" (NBC) – 75 (tie)
Celestial reviews for this comedy about Kristin Bell finding herself in heaven. "A gem of subversive mockery," a critic wrote.
"Designated Survivor"/ABC – 74
"The pilot is tremendous," one reviewer raved of this political drama about Kiefer Sutherland suddenly elevated to the presidency after a terror attack.
"Pitch"/Fox – 61
Lots of praise for star Kylie Bunbury, but some criticism of the scripting in this baseball drama. "The writers telegraph every single point," one reviewer complained.
"The Exorcist" (Fox) – 58
Mixed views on this remake of the horror classic, with one critic dubbing it "predictable" but still "a solid piece of entertainment."
"Son of Zorn" (Fox) – 56
"Most of the jokes are amusing but only a couple got big laughs," one reviewer wrote of this animated/live action hybrid.
"Bull" (CBS) – 47
Praise for former "NCIS" star Michael Weatherly in this legal procedural, but less warmth for the show itself. "Totally ridiculous, in concept and execution," one reviewer wrote.
"Lethal Weapon" (Fox) – 45
"This is a slick, watered-down" version of the movie franchise, one critic summed up, in a common sentiment.
"MacGyver" (CBS) – 44
Divided opinion on this update of the 1980s action classic. One critic dubbed it "energetic" and "easy-going," another felt it was "painfully cheesy."
"Kevin Can Wait" (CBS) – 40
Kevin will have to wait for love for this traditional family sitcom. "Terrible and unimaginative," blasted one critic, echoing the prevailing view.
"Notorious" (ABC) – 21
Oof. "A nearly wall-to-wall mess," is how one reviewer summed up this legal drama.
Early reviews are in, and laurels and brickbats are being tossed at everything from ”This Is Us“ to ”Notorious“
Critics are sorting the good from the bad of the new fall TV season. Here's a ranking, using scores (based on a 100-point scale) from the aggregation site Metacritic.
