"V" debuts to big ratings!

“V’s” ratings have arrived.  For ABC, it’s good news.

The Vistors invaded Earth on ABC to big ratings. But Mark Harmon’s “NCIS” ultimately had more people watching in the now competitive Tuesday at 8pm time period.  

Nearly 14 million viewers watched “V.”  

But when it comes to WHO was watching, younger viewers (the ones advertisers crave) made ”V” the big winner. “V” was #1 in the 18-49 year old demographic.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, it was the highest rated premiere of a scripted series this year!

As you can tell from my previous post, I’m rooting for a victory for “V.” Not only because it is a good show, but Indianapolis native Logan Huffman also stars in the new drama as Tyler.

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Every year there is a big interest in who will be hosting the annual Academy Awards ceremony. Billy Crystal was the go to guy for many years (and frankly, tough to beat.) But last year Hugh Jackman set a high standard for hosts.

Happily, the Academy has invited Steve Martin back to host again. Along with Alec Baldwin?  

Martin and Baldwin at the Oscars!

Martin has hosted a couple times and I thought he was terrific. Baldwin will be an interesting though I am not sure needed addition.

But Baldwin is a funny guy. The episodes when he has hosted on “SNL” are some of the best. And he’s terrific on “30 Rock.” 

Baldwin and Martin are good friends. The press release distributed Tuesday with their comments is an indication of how fun they may be:

“I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy, Alec Baldwin,” said Martin.

 “I don’t play the banjo, but I’m thrilled to be hosting the Oscars – it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Baldwin.

The Academy Awards, with TEN NOMINEES for Best Picture this year, will air on ABC and RTV 6 on Sunday, March 7.

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Next week CSI will stretch across the CBS line-up!

The three “CSI’s” will do cross-over episodes where characters from each version will appear in the other’s shows with a storyline bridging all three programs. 

I think Lawrence Fishburne is the primary cross-over character appearing with David Caruso on “CSI Miami, ” Gary Sinse on “CSI New York” and on the original “CSI” set in Las Vegas.   

Kinda like when Fonzie visited “Laverne and Shirley” way back when, or when “Ally McBeal” jumped from Fox to ABC to appear on producer David Kelly’s “The Practice.”

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Diane Sawyer and Rihanna

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It’s going to be hard to hide from Sarah Palin next week. Her book “Going Rogue” will be released and she is going to be everywhere to promote it.  

Barbara Walters will sit down with Palin and the interview will air on “Good Morning America,” “20/20″ and “Nightline” beginning Tuesday, November 17.  

I doubt Palin will stop by ”Late Show with David Letterman.”

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Finally, set your DVR! The new season of “The Bachelor” premieres Monday, January 4!!!

“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” stars bachelor Jake Pavelka, the guy Bachelorette Jillian Harris rejected last summer. Here is what the press release says:

Ever since Jake, 31, shared a magical one-on-one date with Bachelorette Jillian Harris to see Martina McBride, millions of women have had their “Top Gun” fantasies about him. A fan favorite for his reputation as an honest guy with an open heart – not to mention his good looks — viewers were stunned when Jillian rejected Jake right before the hometown dates on last season’s “The Bachelorette.” But women were drawn to him even more when Jake returned of his own accord in the next episode to protect Jillian from men who were not there for the right reasons. Jake – who already knew Jillian would not take him back — freely shared and showed his emotions. 

And an extra bonus…the new season will be the first season shot in high definition! Whooo-hooo!