First week results in syndication

The first week results for the new programs (and freshman off-network shows) in syndication are in the book:

Program	RTG/SHR	9/06 TP	Lead-in
First- Run:
TMZ	1.5/3	2.0/4	1.8/6
Morning Show- Mk-Jul	1.1/4	1.5/6	1.9/7
Steve Wilkos	1.1/4	1.2/3	1.0/3
David Young	0.9/3	0.9/3	0.9/3
Crosswords	0.8/2	1.3/4	1.0/3
Temptation	0.5/2	1.1/3	0.6/2
Off-Network
Two and a Half Men	2.0/4	2.3/4	2.0/4
Family Guy	1.8/4	2.0/4	1.9/4
George Lopez	0.9/3	0.9/3	0.9/3

Source: Nielsen Media Research, Mediaweek

Thoughts:

- Despite bad reviews, TMZ is tops among syndicated rookies and may get an even bigger boost - thanks to the website becoming the first to snare an audio tape featuring O.J. Simpson during a robbery attempt.

- Steve Wilkos is up 10 percent from his lead-in and is flat from year-ago time period rating and shares, which is a good start.

- The national rollout of Morning Show with Mike and Juliet is tied with Steve Wilkos for second place, but since the program is on opposite Regis & Kelly in most markets, it's getting whacked (in Chicago, it has to face Regis & Kelly AND Oprah. Yikes!)

- The two new game shows are still struggling to find an audience.

- Judge David Young is flat all around. Could be better, could be worse.

- Two and a Half Men and Family Guy are both holding their lead-ins, which is a small victory for both shows. Let's see what the national ratings bring.

- With some weak time slots (it's on in overnight hours in New York), George Lopez isn't exactly burning up the charts. But it's holding it's lead-in and year-ago time period rating.