‘Idol’ premiere down 13 percent from 2010 debut

Initial ratings suggest interest is down in “American Idol” and its new team of judges.

The Nielsen Co. says 26.2 million people saw the two-hour season premiere Wednesday night. That’s down 13 percent from the 29.9 million who watched last year’s season debut.

There was an even steeper ratings drop of 18 percent among the youthful audience the Fox network desires.

Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler were on for the first time as judges, their style considerably kinder than Simon Cowell, who has left the show.

Piers jumps off

CNN says “Piers Morgan Tonight” drew nearly 2.1 million viewers to its premiere Monday night.

The talk show, featuring an interview with Oprah Winfrey, more than tripled the average audience for “Larry King Live,” which Morgan’s show replaces.

‘Parenthood’ stays put

NBC says “Parenthood” will remain on Tuesday night for the rest of the season, which will delay the return of “Law & Order: Los Angeles.”

“Parenthood” was scheduled to make way for the new “Law & Order” series to return in February. But a bump in its ratings is helping it to keep the time slot.

“Law & Order: Los Angeles” now will wait in the wings for a day and time to be announced.

Gervais goes Anglo

Ricky Gervais will make a cameo appearance on “The Office” next week, reprising his role in the original British version of the comedy.

Gervais will make a brief appearance as David Brent, the smart-alecky paper salesman who inspired the character of Michael Scott, portrayed by Steve Carell on NBC’s successful adaptation.