”Revelations” a hit for NBC

It’s a revelation: NBC figured out something to compete against “American Idol.”

The spiritual miniseries “Revelations” reached 15.6 million viewers for its debut last week, positive ratings news for a network that needs it.

It was the most-watched NBC show airing opposite the Wednesday edition of Fox’s “American Idol” since a National Basketball Association finals game in 2002, according to Nielsen Media Research. (A repeat airs tonight at 8, followed by a new episode at 9.)

Fox’s Emmy-winning comedy “Arrested Development” ended its season last week with an episode seen by only 6 million people. Despite the sitcom’s critical raves, those ratings put it at risk of not returning.

Despite the continuing domination of “Desperate Housewives” and its Sunday night lineup, ABC slipped to fourth place for the week. The lackluster showings of new series “Eyes,” “Blind Justice” and “Jake in Progress” proves not everything ABC programmers touch turns to gold.

For the week, CBS averaged 12.2 million viewers (7.9 rating, 13 share). Fox was second with 9.7 million (6.0, 10) and easily won among the 18- to 49-year-old age group preferred by advertisers.

NBC had 8.7 million viewers (5.9, 10), ABC 8 million (5.2, 9), UPN 3.2 million (2.1, 3) and the WB 2.9 million (2.0, 3).

A ratings point represents 1,096,000 households, or 1 percent of the nation’s estimated 109.6 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.

The top 10 shows for the week ending Sunday: “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS, 27.5 million viewers; “American Idol” (Tuesday), Fox, 25.6 million; “Desperate Housewives,” ABC, 25.3 million; “American Idol” (Wednesday), Fox, 25 million; “CSI: Miami,” CBS, 20.7 million; “Survivor: Palau,” CBS, 20.4 million; “Without a Trace,” CBS, 20 million; “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC, 19.2 million; “House,” Fox, 17.8 million; “Law & Order,” NBC, 16.9 million.