The debut of USA's light and fun crime series, White Collar averaged 5.4 million Friday night at 10pm. Comparisons to other USA shows that debuted in the summer or not on Friday nights don't make much sense to me, but the shows numbers were double that of The Starter Wife in the same slot a year ago.
I haven't seen the numbers out to three decimal places yet, but will no later than tomorrow. Those planning on entering the White Collar guess the ratings contest for this coming Friday's episode might want to wait for all three digits before posting your guesses (though dozens of people have already guessed even before they saw the 5.4 million). Update: it appears for the 71 minute premiere it averaged exactly 5.400 million. Earlier in the night Monk averaged 5.419 million...
6.213
I thought Bryce was dead? haha
It was heavily promoted, so I’m not too surprised. The show was pretty good.
Bryce is just doing deep cover as a thief. Once Chuck gets cancelled hopefully all the crimes they solve on White Collar have to do with visiting the Buy More that Chuck works at. And Candyman didn’t get blown up in that fake intercept.
great news thought season premier was pretty good hopefully wil stay above the 4 mill mark which should be enough to get a second season.
Very good for White Collar although I’m interested how Monk did with the return of Sharona. I wonder when Psych returns, will it move to 9pm or will it switch places with White Collar and remain at 10pm.
USA has a pretty robust lineup although I think they may open up Tuesdays or Wednesdays for scripted shows but I think there may be cancellations aside from Monk ending, Law & Order: CI and Psych come to mind as they are currently the lowest rated and in the case f CI, expensive.
Ya know what this is? It’s a ‘smart’ show. Not ‘smart’ like “quote shakespear for me”, but ‘smart’ like, “How do I keep myself safe from identity fraud” smart.
It’s a current theme: Burn Notice is a great example, Castle nearly as much, Big Bang, too. Even all the “CSI” stuff keeps people thinking.
There’s room…hell, HUNGER for education on TV, but they don’t want to be ‘taught’ like a fifth grader. Look at National Treasure, the entire History Channel.
TV Gods: don’t be afraid of smart. Just don’t make your viewers think you think they’re idiots.
“White Collar” was a pretty good show; good writing, sufficient suspense; I’m thinking it’ll stay, if it’s this good at the opening. Good job, guys!
I loved the premiere~ another smart, funny and original program from USA, with characters that are fun to watch. I’m in!
“Castle” is about as smart as a bag of hamburgers.
sounds like decent numbers for a premiere
Kinda wish this show debuted on Wednesday instead of Friday. Then watch the viewers numbers… Isn’t it amazing that at this rate any basic cable show can beat Leno.
Sweet!!!
i’m glad i could the show on friday, it was pretty good. USA can do almost no wrong as far as I’m concerned, except for In Plain Sight.
Of the last 2 seasons, the only new shows with better critical reception are Modern Family & Sons of Anarchy. Weird that all 3 have great ratings. I mean, Mad Men certainly isn’t burning up in the ratings.
Jon my guess and am just guessing so could be wrong but it seems like USA seem to like new series to have something lead them in. So id guess psych will take monks places and theyll leave white collar where is but as say could be totally wrong.
I’ll join in with most others and say I really enjoyed this show. I’d like to see it keep some momentum and have decent numbers again this week. I’m really liking the job USA is doing.
Tiffani just posted some additional facts on her FB page… thought I’d share.
Tiffani Thiessen
Ratings: IT WAS A BIG NIGHT FOR WHITE COLLAR Also of note in the ratings world was a strong Friday night premiere for 10 p.m. USA drama “White Collar,” whose 5.4 million viewers were the most for the network in its time period since the premiere of “Psych” in July 2006. And 2nd best Premiere of a USA show over all!
Not sure what kind of numbers they were hoping for, but I’d say this is a really solid start for a very good show.
To compare, parent network NBC drew a 6.1 for Leno, while 20/20 on ABC managed a 5.6.
I predict this show is going to roll with the momentum and beat its broadcast competition in a matter of weeks. I haven’t met anyone that watched White Collar and didn’t like it (and I know some pretty picky folks, myself included)
Would also like to see Live+7 numbers in a couple of weeks. I bet they’ll come close to 6 million or better.
This was the best first episode I think I’ve ever seen.
Visits to my site are up because of searches for fan fic based on the two main characters. They aren’t going to find fic on my site, or links to fic, but if viewers are already looking for more, can’t wait until next week, this is a strong sign for the show.
Even though I’m not a fic person, the chemistry between Burke and Caffrey is really quite delightful to watch.
This is a great show. I really like the chemistry between the 2 leads.
White Collar was a great show! The program was a lot of fun and smart. Smart in the sense that it doesn’t condescend to the viewer, unlike one other show that turned me off by getting didactic!