Some V highlights ahead of the regular press release

Opposite stiff established original competition in Tuesday’s 8 o’clock hour, including CBS’ top-rated NCIS, NBC’s Biggest Loser and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance, ABC’s V opened a strong #1 in Adults 18-49, soaring to the top of its slot and leading second-place CBS’ NCIS by 19% (5.0/13 vs. 4.2/11).

In fact despite its early time period with lower overall viewing levels and with no network lead-in, self-starter V stood as Tuesday’s #1 TV program overall in the key young adult sales demo and as the season’s highest-rated new series debut this TV Season. In a good sign for future viewing the new ABC drama generated tune-in throughout its premiere, growing in both Total Viewers (13.8 million to 14.1 million) and Adults 18-49 (4.9/13 to 5.1/13) from its first half-hour to its second half-hour.

V marked ABC’s strongest performance in the time period among Adults 18-49 in 3 years (any programming) since 11/14/06.

Topping CBS’ spinoff NCIS: LA series debut in September by 14% (5.0/13 vs. 4.4/11 – which had the added advantage of airing out of the season opener of NCIS), V qualifies as the top-rated Tuesday night fall series debut among Adults 18-49 on any network since 2005 and ABC’s highest since 2003 since 9/20/05 and since 9/23/03, respectively.

V opened with the highest Adult 18-49 rating for a regular 8pm drama debut (any net/any night) since ABC’s Lost on 9/22/04.

Source: thefutoncritic