The premiere of ABC's trio of original dramas posted dramatic declines Wednesday as "Pushing Daisies," "Private Practice" and "Dirty Sexy Money" returned significantly lower than last year.
Despite strong reviews, the return of "Daisies" (6.3 million viewers, 2.0 national adults 18-49 rating and 6 share) dropped a roller coaster-style 55% to a series-low fourth place at 8 p.m. That's the steepest plummet of any returning show this fall (not counting Fox's "Terminator," whose January premiere aired as a post-NFL playoff special).
The premiere of "Private Practice" (8.2 million, 3.3/8), whose critical reception has been unenthusiastic, declined 37% to place third at 9 p.m.
Then "Dirty Sexy Money" (7 million, 2.4/7) fell 33% to place second at 10 p.m. ("Money" was the only ABC show last night to improve upon its last episode, which aired in December).
So ABC placed second for the night, leaving CBS to win its second Wednesday in a row.