'CSI' Blasts Back Onto Ratings Scene

See Also: 'Assume Nothing' Episode Guide

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation claimed the title of the most-watched programme on Thursday night.

The season four premiere, "Assume Nothing", scored an overnight rating of 19.1 rating / 27 share, Mediaweek reported. This means approximately 19.1% of American households with television sets were tuned into CSI, while the episode was viewed by 27% of households watching television at the time.

With "Assume Nothing" topping last season's opener, "Revenge Is Best Served Cold", by 4%, CSI was the clear winner in the 9:00 p.m. time slot. NBC was second thanks to comedy stalwart Will & Grace (15.7/22), though freshman sitcom Coupling delivered underwhelming ratings (11.7/17). The three other networks, ABC, UPN and the WB, were left to bring up the rear.

Without a Trace, CSI's lead-out series and fellow Jerry Bruckheimer crime staple, made a strong second season debut with a 13.7 rating / 21 share. But the FBI's missing persons unit couldn't keep up with powerhouse ER, which won the 10:00 p.m. hour for NBC (17.3/26). However, media analyst Marc Berman noted that Without a Trace has made significant gains on the medical drama over the past year.

Despite CSI's killer ratings, NBC managed to edge past CBS to win the first Thursday of the 2003-2004 television season. Both networks were far ahead of their rivals, ABC, UPN and the WB. The final national ratings for the CSI and CSI: Miami premieres should be available early next week.

The complete ratings report is available here at Mediaweek.

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