US TV: new shows ‘Bull,' ‘Designated Survivor' and ‘This Is Us' make a promising start
CBS's new show "Bull" has enjoyed the most successful launch so far this season, with over 15 million US TV viewers tuning in for the premiere. "Kevin Can Wait," "This Is Us " and "Designated Survivor" also made good starts, drawing audiences of more than 10 million viewers.
US TV's fall season officially kicked off September 19, with seven new shows premiered on the four major networks from Monday to Wednesday that week. CBS came out on top, scoring success with "Bull" and its comedy show "Kevin Can't Wait."
"Bull" no doubt benefitted from its slot straight after "NCIS" -- the most-watched series in the USA -- drawing 15.56 million viewers for its first episode. The drama, starring Michael Weatherly as a legal expert, managed to hold on to many of the viewers who tuned in an hour before to catch "NCIS," which started its 15th season with 15.63 million viewers. With 11 million viewers, "Kevin Can Wait" got off to a promising start too, although far from matching the 15.44 million who tuned in for the return of "The Big Bang Theory," US TV's top comedy series.
A successful comeback for Kiefer Sutherland
The actor who famously played Jack Bauer in "24," can breathe a sigh of relief about his small-screen comeback. His new show, "Designated Survivor," on ABC, drew 10 million viewers. NBC managed a similar performance with "This Is Us," a new show that got social media buzzing thanks to its hit trailer.
The network saw less success with "The Good Place," a comedy starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson. The first episode scored 9 million viewers, dropping to 7.1 million for episode two. ABC saw similar ratings for "Speechless," starring Minnie Driver, with 7.4 million viewers.
A trickier time for Fox
The week was a little more difficult for Fox, with a lackluster launch for the eagerly awaited, "Lethal Weapon" remake, with 7.8 million US viewers tuning in for the pilot.
The network's existing shows met with less success. The network's biggest ratings draw came with the second season of "Lucifer," which opened with just 4.41 million viewers. The third season of "Gotham" drew 3.78 million viewers, while 2.3 million fans tuned in for "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "New Girl."
Still, the fall US TV season is far from over. Audience figures for "Notorious" and "Pitch" -- new shows premiered September 22 -- have not yet been released, and series like "The Exorcist" and "Son of Zorn" are yet to air. Plus, the upcoming Live+3 and Live+7 ratings -- including digital recordings and streaming -- should offer a more comprehensive overview of each show's success.
