‘Dancing’ ratings give lift to ABC

More than 22 million people tuned in to see soap star Kelly Monaco hoof it over former “Seinfeld” supporting player John O’Hurley last Wednesday night in the finale of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

It was the most-watched episode of a summertime series since the last night of Fox’s first “American Idol” in 2002 and, overall, the most popular summer series since the first “Survivor” on CBS in 2000, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The wholesome fun of the dance competition made it a series that entire families could comfortably enjoy together. ABC hasn’t announced a second version of the series, although it’s likely.

VH1 also was pleased, announcing that Hulk Hogan’s reality series “Hogan Knows Best” on Sunday recorded the highest ratings of any premiere in the cable channel’s history.

Despite “Dancing,” CBS’ strong rerun schedule enabled it to win the week’s ratings race, averaging 7.4 million viewers in prime time (5.1 rating, 9 share).

ABC averaged 6.1 million viewers (4.1, 7), NBC 5.8 million (4.1, 8), Fox 4.4 million (2.9, 5), UPN 2.3 million (1.6, 3) and the WB 1.9 million (1.4, 2).

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: “Dancing with the Stars,” ABC, 22.4 million viewers; “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS, 14.9 million; “Without a Trace,” CBS, 12.3 million; “Dancing with the Stars” (8 p.m.), ABC, 10.3 million; “CSI: NY,” CBS, 9.8 million; “60 Minutes,” CBS, 9.5 million; “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” NBC, 8.7 million; “Law & Order: SVU,” NBC, 8.6 million; “Big Brother 6,” CBS, 8.5 million; “Crossing Jordan,” NBC, 7.8 million.