Fox's '24' off to soft start; CBS comedies soar
Fox's "24" has gotten off to a modest start in its seventh season, with ratings for its two-hour Monday time slot premiere down 30% among young adults compared with 2007.
The counter-terrorism drama starring Kiefer Sutherland gathered an average of 12.3 million total viewers (4.1 rating/10 share in adults ages 18-49), according to early data from Nielsen Media Research. That was down considerably from the Monday opener two years ago (15.7 million; 5.9/14).
However, the Monday premiere retained 98% of the total audience from Sunday's "24" special.
CBS won the night on the strength of its comedy lineup; "Two and a Half Men" was the night's most-watched show, with 17.1 million. Meanwhile, NBC's "Superstars of Dance" continued its quick fade, averaging just 7 million viewers over its two-hour run.
-- Scott Collins
(Photo courtesy Fox)
Whoever's not watching 24 is missing out. They busted out of an FBI headquarters on high alert and are working outside of the government. Awesome.
Posted by: matt | January 13, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I haven't watched 24 for several years because of the tone it was taking. On the recommendation of Rush, I tuned in Sunday night and was NOT disappointed! It was very good! Even tho Sutherland is a lib, he keeps his personal politics to himself. I just wish our guys would and could act the way Jack does. I will continue to watch. Much better than the nasty suggestive crap on Two and a half (for example) I watch very little msm, if it isn't suggestive, it's bashing America.
Posted by: Craftyone | January 13, 2009 at 02:30 PM
Jeanine Garafaolo? seeking absolution for protecting america? Joel Surnow out and a Bush hater in? YAWN....pass
Posted by: jguns | January 13, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Why in the world would Jeanine Garafaolo, who seems to HATE her country, want to play an FBI agent? Even if she needed the money it doesn't seem right she take on such a role. How can you even take her seriously......She should be playing one of the terrorists Jack tortures...now that's a role tailor made for her.
Posted by: Kat | January 13, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Jeanine Garofalo had a recurring role in the seventh season of West Wing, probably the single best script on television. She played a quick-witted, genius political advisor to Alan Alda's Republican presidential candidate. If you don't think she belongs on 24, check out her performance on WW.
Posted by: Thandora | January 13, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Since there doesn't appear to be an active Show Tracker blog for "24" yet, is this the "unofficial" 24 update site?
Posted by: Mark | January 14, 2009 at 09:44 AM
I had never seen "24" during its initial run, only started watching it in re-runs. Sense then my kids and I have purshased three seasons and rented the others. It is like watching a movie just about every episode. Its exciting with great actors and best of all the actors are always changing so you don't get bored. Howard Gordon is an gifted writer and the directors are awesome. By far the best show on T.V. You know Kiefer is a good actor, because in real life he is a very sensitve and sweet guy, but on screen he can and has to be almost heartless. Plus wether you are male or female Kiefer is HOT!!!
Posted by: Eydie | January 14, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Its over for 24. Jack Bauer putting the "sleeper hold" on that FBI agent is the moment that this show jumped the shark. Look, see Jack run and shoot his pistol! See Tony Almeida rise from the dead yet again! By mid-season look for guest appearances from war heroes Rush Limbaugh and Sam (Joe) the fake Plumber as ratings gags. No fault of anyone. Just after this many seasons, its stale.
Posted by: Marco | January 23, 2009 at 12:16 PM