You can lump “Judge Judy” in with “NCIS” — even though, on the surface, they have absolutely nothing to do with each other. But like “NCIS” — which continues to add viewers at a time when most shows of its TV age (10 years) are on the ratings respirator — “Judge Judy” (which premiered in 1996) just keeps on growing its audience.
Case in point: For the week of Sept. 9, “Judge Judy,” hosted by Judy Sheindlin, averaged over 9.4 million viewers — its best premiere-week viewership in 10 years and miles aheadof any other syndicated daytime show in terms of total viewers. It also pulled a 7.1 household rating, which was up 13 percent from last year’s premiere week. That’s pretty amazing stuff. Also performing well in the first week of the syndicated TV season was “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” now hosted by Cedric the Entertainer (who replaced Meredith Vieira). In his first week on the job, “Millionaire” was, compared to last year’s premiere week, up in households, total viewers (over 10 percent), adults 25-54 and, most importantly in the key demo of women 25-54 (an impressive 13 percent).
Regarding new fall (prime-time) shows, ABC’s “Back in the Game” (James Caan, Maggie Lawson) did OK, but not great — averaging 7.9 million viewers and finishing third (at 8:30) in adults 18-49. It did, however, beat NBC’s “Revolution” by 1.2 million viewers. Over in the “why bother?” category, “Capture” on The CW averaged a paltry 631,000 viewers.
‘Serch’ is on for Ch. 11
Jewish rapper Serch, born and raised in Far Rockaway (real name: Michael Berrin), has been given an eight-week talk-show tryout by CBS Television Distribution (which launched “Arsenio” with Arsenio Hall a few weeks back).
His daily show, “Serch,” will air on eight Tribune stations, including Ch. 11 here (probably at 4 p.m.), starting Jan. 6 — with ABC News vet Ethan Nelson (“Katie,” “Good Morning America”) executive-producing. The 46-year-old rapper (an Allan Sherman lookalike) will “use his street smarts and unconventional background to help guests grapple with and resolve their problems,” according press materials. Serch, who’s married with three kids, is an alum of The High School of Music & Art, tasted stardom as one of the first white rappers and is credited with discovering Nas (among other recording stars).
Last, but not least . . .
CUNY’s Kingsborough Early College Secondary School will feature a Ch. 13 special Saturday as part of “American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen” (focusing on the high-school dropout crisis) … “Cassadee Pope: Frame By Frame” bows Oct. 4 on CMT … PaleyFes t (Oct. 2-6 at The Paley Center/West 52nd.) includes the casts of “Orange Is The New Black” and “Elementary” (J onny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu) …VEVO’s TV/Web series, “Lyrics Lines” (Tommy Wooldridge)is now available on vevo.com.