‘Mike & Molly’ leads the pack of fall 2010 newcomers

Fri., Oct. 8, 2010

Verne Gay Newsday

MONDAY:

What do critics really know? “Mike & Molly” (CBS, 9:30) – the faintly praised zaftig sitcom – is a breakout hit, with about 12 million viewers, and improving week to week. “Hawaii Five-0” (10) is in good shape, too – holding about 12 million viewers week to week – but is in a dogfight with equally strong “Castle” (ABC). “The Event” (NBC, 9) began strong but has slipped week to week. Thus, the jury remains sequestered. “Chase” (NBC, 10)? Struggling.

TUESDAY:

Winner of the night looks to be “Detroit 1-8-7” (ABC, 10), which has held its audience (around 9 million) for three weeks even as “The Good Wife” (CBS) stormed back in. “No Ordinary Family” (ABC, 8) got a solid send-off though the second week slipped a little more than ABC would have liked. But this is a very tough time period – “NCIS” (CBS) and “Glee” (Fox). Meanwhile, “Raising Hope” (Fox, 9) has a strong heartbeat, but “Running Wilde” (Fox, 9:30) may be dead by the time you read these words.

WEDNESDAY:

The easy winner is “The Defenders” (CBS, 10), mustering around 10 million viewers while “Law & Order: Los Angeles” (NBC, 10) had a very nice launch, too. “Better With You” (ABC, 8:30) is holding steady. “Undercovers” (NBC, 8) is not tanking at all, but the advertiser-coveted 18-49 ratings are dangerously depressed. That bodes ill. “The Whole Truth” (ABC, 10) also will be gone soon.

THURSDAY:

Back to my original question – what do critics know? “$#*! My Dad Says” (CBS, 8:30) may be a stinkpot of considerable portions, but viewers don’t seem to mind the stench. This is your breakout winner for the night! Oh, sure – it’s nice to be sandwiched between two major hits, but a win is a win. So far, “Outsourced” (NBC, 9:30) looks soft, but not anywhere in the vicinity of Cancellationville.

FRIDAY:

“Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10) is the night’s big winner, and it’s a bit surprising. Averaging 10 million to 11 million viewers, people seem to be seeking it out. The new Dana Delany “CSI”-ish drama, “Body of Proof,” has yet to bow. “Outlaw” (NBC, 10)? Likely gone.