'Miami' Predicted To Come Out On Top Against 'LAX'

When NBC's new drama LAX debuts in the Monday 10pm Eastern time slot, it will be feeling the heat from the reigning Monday night champ, CSI: Miami.

Variety's Rick Kissell analyzed the showdown between CSI: Miami and LAX when they go head to head on Monday, September 20th. Miami's third season premieres on the 20th, while LAX's first episode will be shown on September 13th.

While Kissell believes both shows will face hefty competition from ABC's Monday Night Football during football season, he believes CBS and NBC will vye for the large female audience and men not tuning in for football. Kissell notes that CSI: Miami's second season actually improved on its first, ranking as the number 11 most-watched show in the 18-49 demographic.

LAX, on the other hand, might appeal to a young female audience. But despite stars Heather Locklear and Blair Underwood, Kissell notes that the show "appears to be neither smart enough nor trashy enough to attract a loyal following."

Also in Miami's favor: LAX's second episode will also be facing a much-hyped episode of CSI: Miami. Promos for the show are already advertising that one of the lead characters will not survive the season premiere, "Lost Son" (story).

Kissell ultimately concludes that CSI: Miami will come out on top, and remain there, so long as audiences crave forensic dramas. "Even with its star power, LAX seems too lightweight up against CSI: Miami, although it looks to be a good fit with lead-in Las Vegas. If auds begin to tire of the forensics fever that has struck primetime in recent years, LAX might have a shot," Kissell writes.

To read the originial analysis, please visit Variety (subscription required) or Yahoo!News. Kissell's predictions for the CSI: New York/Law & Order match-up can be found here.

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