• by Wayne Friedman , April 11, 2008

There are low-debut scripted TV ratings--and then low reality-show ratings. Given that, CBS gave the quick heave-ho to its new reality show "Secret Talents of the Stars" after only one episode.

"Secrets" apparently wasn't much of a lure for viewers--only 4.6 million people took in the show in the 10 p.m. time slot, just a 1.5 rating among 18-49 viewers. The show's numbers were much lower than the shows it replaced: "Cane" and "Jericho."

Speaking of low ratings, "American Idol: Idol Gives Back," the special two-hour charity star-studded edition, slipped a whopping 33% off in ratings to a 6.7 rating/18 share among 18-49 viewers from last year's 10 rating.

Current contestants were not performing. But celebrities such as Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Robin Williams, former "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Kimmel and David Spade made appearances.

As has been the case recently when "Idol" has been off its mark, so was its competition. At 8 p.m. Wednesday, NBC could only manage a 2.4 for "Deal or No Deal"; CBS came in with a 2.1 for "Big Brother."

The best of the night after "Idol" numbers was CBS' "Criminal Minds" with a 3.3/8 at 9 p.m. and a 3.2/8 rating for "CSI: NY" at 10 p.m. CBS came in second on the night at 2.8/8, ABC was next with a 2.2/6; NBC took a 1.9/5; Univision, a 1.6/4; CW, a 1.0/3; and MyNetworkTV, a 0.5/1.