'Big Brother' returns solid, ABC's lineup slips

http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/07/big-brother-returns-solid-for-cbs.html

CBS finally got into the summer reality game Thursday night with the unveiling of "Big Brother 12."


"Brother" (7.3 million viewers, 2.4 preliminary adults 18-49 rating) was up a tenth of a rating point from its premiere last year, signaling a solid start for the veteran reality franchise.

The show tied ABC's "Wipeout" (7.8 million, 2.4) in the adult demo as the top-rated series of the night. Coupled with crime drama repeats, "Brother" helped CBS squeak out a narrow victory to claim the evening.

With "Brother" heating up 8 p.m., "Wipeout" dropped 14% from last week to a summer low. ABC then aired the third episode of cop drama "Rookie Blue" (6.4 million, 1.6), down 11%, and documentary series "Boston Med" (5 million, 1.1), down 15%.

ABC tied Fox for second place, the latter airing a repeat leading into a steady "So You Think You Can Dance" (6 million, 2.1).