• by October 16, 2001

The weekend debut of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in broadcast syndication was the highest-rated premiere of an off-network weekly since "ER's" bow in 1998, according to Nielsen figures.

"Buffy" earned a 2.7 national household rating for the week ended Sept. 30. In its key adults 18-34 demo, it earned a 1.9, placing it in a tie with "Stargate SG-1" for second in the demo among weekly hours. "ER" edged the shows out in the demo with a 2.0 in adults 18-34.

"The Practice" also debuted as a weekly off-network hour, earning a 2.6 national household rating.

And everybody really does love "Raymond": The Monday through Friday syndication debut of "Everybody Loves Raymond" topped all new off-network sitcom entries this fall, placing third overall among comedy reruns with a 4.2.

"Raymond" placed behind "Seinfeld" (5.9) and "Friends" (5.2), and beat "Frasier" (3.3). "Frasier," whose time periods have begun shuffling a bit as new reruns enter the fray, hit an all-time off-network low. The show debuted in syndication in 1997.

Following "Raymond" in the new off-network sitcom category was "Just Shoot Me," which moved up 22% from its premiere the week before to a 2.8; "Steve Harvey," also in its second week, was up 9% to 1.2; "Mad TV" was flat at 0.7.

Among the firstrun fare new to syndication, the weekly pop culture review show "Hot Ticket" debuted with a 1.5, the second-highest premiere of a non-kids half-hour weekly in five years.

The ratings for "Crossing Over With John Edward" continue to lead those of all freshman firstrun series. The show earned a 1.6, which was its lowest rating since its premiere five weeks prior. It should be noted, however, that although the show's national ratings include its run on cable's Sci Fi Channel, the show also was preempted in New York on WCBS starting Sept. 11. It returned to the station's lineup Oct. 9.

Fellow newcomer to the talk category, "The Ananda Lewis Show," in its third week, dipped 15% week-to-week to a 1.1, tying with talker "Iyanla," which moved down 8% week-to-week in its seventh week. Ensemble yakker "The Other Half" was flat in its third week at 1.0.

Among the new relationship series, "ElimiDate" was flat with its premiere the prior week at a 1.0. "ElimiDate" does not have a traditional Gotham clearance. It airs on Long Island-based WLNY, which can be found in the market on cable.

"Rendez-View" and "ShipMates" moved in tandem, up 13% in week two and five, respectively, to 0.9.

-- Variety