‘Mentalist,’ ‘Fringe’ emerge as season’s hit series

What kind of TV season is it so far?

“A no-fun fall,” USA Today ruled. “A season of disappointments,” The New York Times headlined.

But the glass may be more full than many industry observers suggest.

There have been falls without any new hit series. This one has produced two.

CBS’ “The Mentalist,” a diverting detective show with Simon Baker, is averaging 16.5 million viewers and ranks No. 6.

One of its time-slot competitors, Fox’s flashy supernatural drama “Fringe” (No. 30 with 10.1 million), fondly echoes “The X-Files” and brings in young adults so dear to advertisers.

Notable long-running hits remain sturdy. CBS’ “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” ranks No. 1 with 21.1 million, continuing to tell gripping adult stories as Grissom (William Petersen) prepares to depart.

ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” has two of its strongest contenders to date in Brooke Burke and Warren Sapp. The Monday performance show is No. 2 with 19.3 million.

CBS’ “NCIS,” which ranks No. 3 with 18.4 million, drew its biggest audience ever last week. Although “Grey’s Anatomy” bungled the Callie-Erica love story, it’s still No. 4 with 17.8 million.

ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” re-energized itself by jumping five years into the future, at No. 5 with 17.1 million.

Top-ranked CBS is succeeding with crime drama: No. 8 “Criminal Minds,” No. 10 “CSI: NY” and No. 11 “CSI: Miami.” But the network also is doing well with comedy (No. 12 “Two and a Half Men”) and news (No. 13 “60 Minutes”).

CBS’ “Survivor,” displaying its old verve with smart casting, suspenseful twists and the fabulous backdrop of Gabon, it ranks No. 14.