Here's a link to a table showing the top 20 shows by rating.

http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/...;|,00.html

It's still early, of course. Some series haven't even premiered yet. So, it's not expected to be representative of the season.

You'll note:

Bruckheimer shows dominate (compare to LAW & ORDER shows): (1) CSI, (2) CSI MIAMI, (3) WITHOUT A TRACE, (7) CSI NY.

LOST is in the top ten at (9).

JOEY has fallen to (17) against SURVIVOR (10).

CSI garnered 30 million viewers!! CSI MIAMI came in second with 22 million.

Brand new series, CSI NY and LOST are hanging in with 19 million and 18 million respectively. Both are excellent showings.

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COLD CASE begins its second season tonite (8pm Sundays). DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES premieres tonite (9pm), followed by James Spader and Wm Shatner in BOSTOM LEGAL--a spinoff of THE PRACTICE.

I've tried to get into Law & Order in all it's guises but I can't seem to. I'm sure they're great shows and all, hell, hasn't one of them lasted 15 years ?? But for me I just find them kind of dull.

Good to see LOST still there as well, it'll be interesting to see what effect there is on the ratings when they start going more into the fantastical elements of the Island.

I'll be watching Cold Case as well. The first year was terrific. On the new shows front I'll probably check out Boston Legal, Shatner and Spader sounds promising, but I'm not sure about Desperate Housewives. Teri Hatcher ?? I used to find her really annoying on Lois & Clark.

I've never gotten into any of the LAW & ORDERs either. I can't even tell them apart. While switching channels I'll catch Sam Waterston (?) discussing tactics with a higher-up and I'll stop and enjoy that, but I've probably only watched two or three all the way thru. However, that was the L&W version that has had a 15 year run--and has finally been beaten in the ratings--by CSI: NY.

As for LOST, I'm curious to see if there will any effect from rebroadcasting the first two episodes on Saturday. I know a friend of mine who was anxious to tune in after I told her about it.

I'm not much interested in DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES or BOSTON LEGAL, frankly. But, you'll never know.... I think your better half might be more interested in DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES which is often compared to SATC. BTW, in the previews, Teri Hatcher has her bath towel pulled off her in public. Now are you interested? ;)

Yes, but you do like Dawson's Creek :P

The original Law and Order is now on it's 15th year, but I think the loss of it's lead actor (who's been on it for the last 13 years) has had an effect on it's success..

However, I'll be surprised if in 15 years we'll still be seeing CSI - I can't help but think that milking it to 3 series already is going to have a severe detrimental effect on the whole franchise. William Peterson for one has been outspoken about how he feels the original cast who got CSI where it is are being ignored to make way for new characters; and to be honest despite trying several times I've never been able to get into Miami.

I might be. Of course I'll be d/l purely for Vic's benefit now that you've compared it with another of her favourites :lol:

I'm sure Dick Wolfe will be delighted with being toppled by NY, he was very public with his view that L&O would beat it :rolleyes:

Oi, there's no need for that, it's an affliction, I should be helped not mocked :P :lol:

I think you're right about CSI not going that long, I'd be surprised should it last half that long. Petersen's sure not happy with the situation. The chances of him renewing his contract, pretty slim. That being said, I've always preferred Miami. I like Caruso, I prefer the peripheral characters and at a more shallow level, I prefer looking at Miami than Las Vegas :lol:

Well John, the deed is done. Desperate Housewives has been d/l, I, <ahem> Vic, will be watching it tomorrow evening no doubt :whistling:

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES debuted to over 21 million viewers. And that's on a Sunday!! That tops the premieres of two other impressive, new shows--LOST and CSI NY (both in the 18 mil).

I prefer CSI: Miami to the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation too. I find Grissom a bit cold and so prefer Horatio.

I'm interested to see how The West Wing does this year with all the speculation about this perhaps being the final year. I don't think it airs for another couple of weeks though.

I watched a new episode of CSI MIAMI last nite where a new guy was hired to take Speedle's place. The actor (I don't know his name) was pretty much interchangable with other competent actors but the story of his first assignment was pretty good. It's always nice to see John Heard (as Caleigh's father) again--he isn't very interchangable with anyone else. John's and Emily's graceful Southern accents are a pleasure to hear, too.

Hey John :)

just a quick query, what's your favourite programme on tv at the moment?

I don't see The West Wing ending this year to be honest. I know the numbers were down last year but still, can't see it.

My money's on it being Arcadia :P

Hard to choose at the moment. JOAN OF ARCADIA, CSI (all), LOST, COLD CASE.

Kind of right then :lol:

Have you ever seen The Shield John ?? A different kind of cop show to the CSIs but one of the best written shows over the past couple of years IMO. Along with The West Wing that is :thumbsup:

THE SHIELD is on a premium cable channel that I don't get. It is high on the critics' lists. I see it is out on DVD so I could check it out if I'm in the mood. However, it doesn't look like the kind of show I would like. Someday, I may be in the mood.

For my money it really is one of the best written shows on TV. If you get the chance to see the first season that's a pretty indicator. Season 2 is the highlight so far, but it's consistantly good. Not for everyone I'll grant you, but I find it compelling. It's a nice alternative to all those CSI shows ;)

I just saw an ep of JoA and it was much better than watchable - very bittersweet with no cheesiness - impressed :thumbsup:

I have missed some recently and this looks to be a regular fixture for me from now on.

The missus loves Cold Case but I just can't get past her ears ;) :lol:

There are some rumours going around that some of the actors are considering not renewing their contracts after S6. I really hope it isn't true and that they stay for S7, which is really as long as they can go without having to bring in a new administration.

Well they're already got Jimmy Smits lined up as a possible replacement for Bartlett when his term ends. I'd rather the cast stayed intact myself, but then, I didn't want Rob Lowe to leave but Will's one of my favourite characters at the moment, so I guess replacing isn't automatically bad afterall :lol: