Tepid returns for new first-run and off-network strips (updated)

To no one's surprise, the five first-run strips that debuted yesterday got off to a mixed start, with only one (Steve Wilkos) up from its lead-in and all down from year-ago time period averages.

Here's a metered-market ratings rundown of the five new syndicated first-run strips from Monday:

Program	Rtg/Shr	Lead-in	9/06 TP	Best performer
TMZ	2.0/4	1.9/4	1.9/4	St. Louis (KTVI): 5.2/10 at 10:30p
Steve Wilkos	1.1/4	0.9/3	1.1/4	Charlotte (WCCB): 3.3/11 at 2p
Crosswords	1.0/3	1.2/3	1.3/4	Tulsa (KJRH): 3.6/7 at 4p
David Young	0.9/3	1.0/3	1.0/3	Memphis (WLMT): 4.5/11 at 12:30a
Temptation	0.7/2	0.8/3	1.1/3	Dayton (WHIO): 2.9/11 at 1:30a

Source: Nielsen Media Research, TV Week

Meanwhile, the battle of the two off-network series between Two and a Half Men and Family Guy went down like this: Two averaged a 2.0/4, flat from lead-in, but down 13 percent from year-ago time period averages. Family Guy averaged a 1.9/4, flat from year-ago time period, but down 5 percent from year-ago time slot. Family Guy's ratings for its debut in syndication was higher than those of South Park in 2005, but well below those of fellow animated series The Simpsons in 1994 and King of the Hill in 2001.

Results for another new off-network sitcom that debuted yesterday, The George Lopez Show, were not available. Half & Half does not begin until next Monday.

To read a syndication cuts list for Family Guy, click here.

To read a review of one of those new first-run strips, TMZ, click here.