The top weekly syndicated hours posted improved rating performances during the week ended June 24, following their struggle the previous week with preemptions due to U.S. Open Golf coverage.
"Entertainment Tonight Weekend" recovered by 24% week-to-week, tallying a 3.6 national household rating to lead the category, according to Nielsen. The rating is up 29% over the same week last
year.
The second-to-last episode of "Xena: Warrior Princess" came next, earning a 3.2 -- up 10% for the week and 14% year-to-year. Ratings for the two-hour finale that ended the series' six-year
run will be available next week.
The weekend off-network run of "ER" moved up 19% to 3.1, third in the weekly genre, while slipping 6% compared to the same week last year.
"Gene Roddenberry's
Andromeda" moved up 14% week-to-week to a 2.5 to lead the rookies. "Maximum Exposure" followed, up 18% to 2.0.
The week also was good to most of the rookie weekday shows that are returning this
fall and to most veteran gavelers.
Newcomer "Judge Hatchett" was one exception, dipping 6% from the previous week to a series low 1.7.
"Power of Attorney," "Street Smarts" and "To Tell the
Truth" all earned a slightly higher 1.8 rating for the week. "Power" and "Street" were up 6% each, while "Truth" climbed 13%.
Among the court shows, genre leader "Judge Judy" edged up 4% to 5.3,
followed by "Judge Joe Brown," up 3% to 3.3.
"Divorce Court" moved up 4% to 2.4, and "Judge Mathis" rose 5% to 2.1. "People's Court" was up 6% to 1.9 and "Judge Mills Lane," which is not returning
this fall, climbed 8% to 1.3.
In the game category, "Hollywood Squares," which was in repeats, earned a series low 3.0. The show, which premiered in September 1998, is down 6% for the week and 21%
for the year.
- Reuters/Variety