Summer 2010 ranks among the unfriendlier times to premiere a television drama -- the supernatural mystery Persons Unknown pulled in a wan 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic a couple weeks ago, and Fox's fun new Colin Hanks dramedy The Good Guys garnered a 1.4. ABC premiered two new series last night that possess at least one ingredient for success -- Scoundrels is based on a successful New Zealand series while The Gates packs vampire appeal. Did they beat the cruel summer?
Unfortunately, Scoundrels and The Gates simply matched the numbers of their predecessors: Scoundrels pulled in a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demo, meeting Persons Unknown's initial tally, and The Gates took in a 1.5, barely eclipsing The Good Guys's draw. Hopefully this is all just setting the stage for a surprise ratings coup later in the summer for a new series -- and I am talking about Logo's RuPaul's Drag U. Let's make it happen, ladies and ladyboys.
RATINGS RAT RACE: Strong Finish For US Open, Soft Start For 'Scoundrels' & 'Gates' [Deadline]