‘Murder One’ Premiere Attracts Viewers For Abc

Sat., Sept. 23, 1995

From Wire Reports

The season’s most-anticipated drama, ABC’s “Murder One,” didn’t disappoint ratings-wise. In its initial episode Tuesday night, the Steven Bochco legal drama garnered a 15.5 rating, 26 share in the national Nielsens.

This compares favorably to the maiden episodes of the two other much-talked-about dramas: “NYPD Blue” in 1993 (15.9 rating/27 share) and “ER” (16.3 rating/27 share) in 1994. But the real crunch comes in a few weeks when “Murder One” moves to Thursday night against “ER.”

Also on Tuesday night, “Home Improvement” continued to pull in strong numbers for ABC (20.3 rating/ 31 share), outpointing NBC’s “Frasier” (15.6 rating/24 share). Both sitcoms were airing their season-opening episodes.

Troubles at ‘Saturday Night’

It’s not exactly slim pickings, but “Saturday Night Live” executive producer Lorne Michaels acknowledged Wednesday that he’s having more trouble signing up hosts and musical guests for the show this season than he has in many years.

In the wake of the show’s intensely criticized 1994-95 season, Michaels said, some big names “who have the most to lose” are taking a wait-and-see attitude about this season, much as some stars did when the show premiered 20 years ago.

The exceptions, he said, seem to be those people who have a special feeling and appreciation for the tradition of the show and its comic sensibility.

Mariel Hemingway is scheduled to host the first show of the season on next Saturday, with former Prince appearing as musical guest. Others committed to host upcoming shows include David Schwimmer of “Friends,” Anthony Edwards of “ER,” Pamela Lee of “Baywatch” and Tom Arnold. Musical guests include Lisa Loeb, Smashing Pumpkins and Alanis Morissette.

Alfred E. Neuman look-alikes

Calling all Alfred E. Neuman wannabes. To boost the debut of “MAD TV,” Fox’s new late night sketch comedy that arrives Oct. 14 to do battle with “Saturday Night Live,” the network has announced an Alfred E. Neuman look-alike contest.

To enter the contest, aspiring Alfies must submit a photograph to Fox by Oct. 13. Send your photo - and/or obtain complete rules and entry details - by writing to Fox/ MAD TV Contest, P.O, Box 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90213.

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