'Crime,' 'Idol' Looking Good on TV

By Stephen M. Silverman

06/19/2002 at 05:48 PM EDT

With reruns clogging the TV airwaves, networks are looking for a hit, though the Nielsen numbers for last week reveal two promising newcomers: "Crime and Punishment," NBC's real-life courtroom drama, and "American Idol," Fox's series on the making of a pop star. The former, from "Law & Order" producer Dick Wolf, follows actual court cases in San Diego, Calif., and its Sunday premiere drew 11 million viewers, enough to land it in the Top 10. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, "American Idol" attracted 11.2 million viewers, up from the previous night's premiere, which drew 9.9 million. That's considered a good sign, notes the Associated Press. Meanwhile, the week's top-ranked network, CBS, had 8.5 million viewers; Fox had 5.7 million; ABC, 5.6 million; UPN, 2.9 million; the WB; 2.2 million; and Pax TV, 1.2 million. For the week of June 10-16, the Top 10 shows were as follows:

1. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 11.5 million homes
2. "NBA Finals Game 4," NBC, 11.4 million homes
3. "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 10.4 million homes
4. "Becker," CBS, 9.2 million homes
5. "48 Hours -- Monday," CBS, 8.7 million homes
6. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," NBC, 8.4 million homes
7. "Crime and Punishment," NBC, 8 million homes
8. "60 Minutes," CBS, 8.0 million homes
9. "Dateline NBC -- Sunday," NBC, 7.6 million homes
10. "Yes, Dear," CBS, 7.4 million homes