RATINGS: Cable numbers approaching network levels
It’s not TV. It’s cable.
That’s where some (relatively) big numbers are suddenly being posted by new drama and comedy series, while the one-time-titan broadcast networks spend the summer playing singing bee, fat march and game shows.
Glenn Close’s FX legal thriller “Damages” drew 3.7 million viewers in its Tuesday night debut. That might not sound like much, but it’s more than just about anything on The CW and half the other broadcast network shows, too. (It's also higher than FX fave "Rescue Me.")
Holly Hunter’s hard-edged angel-touch saga “Saving Grace” [TNT photo, right] pulled 6.4 million viewers for its Monday TNT premiere, holding a huge chunk of viewers from smash-hit lead-in “The Closer” (7.2 million viewers). Only the networks’ top 20-ranked programs are reaching more eyeballs.
Add that to such previous ratings-magnets as Lifetime’s new Sunday dramas (“Army Wives” has grown since last month’s premiere to 3.7 million viewers), and you can see how cable is creating a competitive slate. USA’s longrunning “Monk” regularly scores around 5 million viewers, too.
And there’s more to come. TBS’ cult comedy “My Boys” returns Monday for a second season. TNT launches its CIA miniseries “The Company” next Thursday (Aug. 5). Sci Fi has a new “Flash Gordon” Aug. 10, and Showtime stars David Duchovny in the comedy “Californication” Aug. 13 (alongside the return of “Weeds”). Disney should top them all Aug. 17 with its movie sequel “High School Musical 2.”
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