‘Doctors’ Ties ‘Deal’ as Frosh Leader

CBS Television Distribution’s “The Doctors” made further ratings strides towards becoming the No. 1 new show in syndication during the week of Nov. 17, tying NBC Universal Television Distribution’s “Deal or No Deal” in household ratings. “Doctors” drew a 1.9 for the week, increasing ratings 12% to a new series high, its third straight record-setting week. “Deal,” with its 1.9, stayed flat compared with last week. The rest of the rookie first-run Monday-Friday shows also held flat, with Sony Pictures Television’s “Judge Karen” (1.1) leading the way, followed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution “The Bonnie Hunt Show” (0.9), Debmar-Mercury’s “Trivial Pursuit: America Plays” (0.6) and Program Partners’ “Family Court With Judge Penny” (0.6). In weekend first-run fare, Disney-ABC’s “Legend of the Seeker” (2.1) gained 5% from last week. The top talkers made gains from last week, as CBS Television Distribution’s “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (5.8) and “Dr. Phil” (3.6) gained 4% and 3%, ... (link)