• by Wayne Friedman , July 2, 2008

USA Network grabbed another overall ratings win for the second quarter, while TNT scored big with individual program ratings coming from the NBA playoffs.

USA Network averaged 2.7 million overall viewers in prime time. TNT was just behind with 2.4 million. TBS was in third place with 1.739 million, with ESPN just behind at 1.732 million.

While USA's "WWE Entertainment" continued to post top ratings--especially among overall viewers--USA scored big news, successfully launching the new summer series "In Plain Sight," which averaged 2.5 million 25-54 viewers and over 5 million total viewers in the second quarter. This was more than any other original cable dramatic series.

In total day viewing, USA gained 8% more 25-54 viewers than in the second quarter of a year ago--a 5% gain in 18-49 viewers, and a 6% increase in total viewers.

TNT improved 4% in adults 18-49, 6% in adults 25-54 and 3% in total viewers. TBS went 10% higher in adults 18-49, 18% higher in 18-34 viewers, and 5% more in total viewers.

USA also grabbed another in a series of 18-49 wins, posting 1.25 million viewers. TNT was just behind at 1.24 million. Following the two heavyweights was TBS, with 993,000 viewers, ESPN at 841,000 and Discovery Channel at 729,000.

VH1's "Rock of Love 2" was the best-viewed program in this category with an episode earning 4.15 million 18-49 viewers. Much of the rest of the top 10 were NBA playoff basketball programming on TNT and MTV's young-minded soap "The Hills."

For younger viewers 18-34, TBS and TNT were the top draws, averaging 581,000 each. USA was next at 559,000, with young demos favoring MTV at 464,000. Comedy Central and ESPN tied for fifth at 420,000. Nine of the top 10 episodes of the period belonged to "The Hills."

USA Network was also tops among 25-54 viewers, with 1.27 million average viewers. TNT was next at 1.24 million; then TBS at 855,000 and ESPN at 820,000. NBA playoffs dominated the standings here, which also included two of TNT's NASCAR races.