...but they're still down from last year. The opening game of the World Series gave FOX a ratings victory Wednesday night, although it didn't measure up to last year's numbers.
FOX averaged an 8.6 rating/14 share in primetime, with those numbers likely to change because of the live sports telecast. That's down a couple of points from Game 1 last year but better than the 2006 opener. CBS, 7.9/13, finished a solid second. ABC was well back in third at 4.4/7, followed by NBC at 4.1/7. The CW drew a 2.3/4.
FOX also led among adults 18-49 with a 4.3 rating. CBS, 3.4, came in second. ABC took third at 2.3. NBC's 1.9 beat out The CW's 1.6 for fourth.
The World Series pre-game and the start of Game 1 drew an 8.3/13 for FOX at 8 p.m. "The New Adventures of Old Christine," 5.3/8, and "Gary Unmarried," 5.2/8, put CBS in second. "Knight Rider," 4.4/7, grabbed third for NBC, topping "Pushing Daisies" on ABC. "America's Next Top Model" delivered a 2.9/5 for The CW.
CBS took the lead at 9 p.m. with "Criminal Minds," 9.3/14. The Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays scored an 8.6/13 for FOX. "Private Practice," 5.4/8, moved ABC ahead of NBC and "Deal or No Deal." The premiere of "Stylista" scored a 1.6/2 for The CW.
"CSI: NY," 9.2/15, held the lead for CBS at 10 p.m. The World Series posted an 8.8/14 for FOX. "Dirty Sexy Money" earned a 4.0/7 for ABC, while "Lipstick Jungle" trailed for NBC.