• by Wayne Friedman , September 23, 2005

Despite the cries of a media glut, the networks' big-hitting programs aren't lost--but new shows, such as the highly touted "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart," haven't found their way.

ABC's big serialized drama, "Lost," continued its winning ways with a monster season debut, posting a Nielsen Media Research 10 rating/24 share and 23.1 million viewers. The show helped the network grab the third night of the new season with a 7.5 rating/20 share.

ABC crushed the new competition coming from NBC that night. The network's "E-Ring" posted a distant third with a 2.6/6 numbers, which placed it below that of CBS' "CSI" reruns.

NBC's new "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" did somewhat worse, with a 2.5/7 in viewers 18-49, and 7.7 million viewers overall. Program analysis and reviews of the suggest the tone of new edition of the show isn't as biting and tension-packed as the original--especially from Martha Stewart herself.

ABC's big boost from "Lost" gave the network's new drama "Invasion"--which has a similar mysterious feel to "Lost"--a nice spike, with 7.1/18 in viewers 18-49 and 16.9 million viewers overall. "Destination: Lost," the ABC show covering last season's "Lost" highlights, grabbed a healthy 5.6/16 in viewers 18-49 to lead off the night.

This spelled doom for 8:00 p.m. shows. Besides NBC, CBS comedies' premieres didn't stand a chance. "Still Standing" grabbed a weak 2.1/7 in viewers 18-49, and "Yes, Dear" had a 2.5/7 in viewers 18-49.

UPN's strong 18-49 ratings for the evening pulled away viewers from the bigger networks CBS, NBC, and Fox. For the night, this helped UPN to pull even with Fox--with 4.7 million viewers, tied for fourth place. ABC was first with 18.2 million; then NBC, 10.1 million; and CBS, 9.4 million.