Jay Leno Boosts Ratings–for ABC

The Wrap

It turns out Jay Leno is having a positive effect in the ratings. Unfortunately, the impact is on another network’s numbers.

According to a ratings analysis by ABC, the Alphabet’s collective adults 18-49 Nielsen ratings with scripted series in the 10 p.m. slot have gone up an eye-popping 16 percent since “The Jay Leno Show” debuted this season.

Through the first six weeks of the season, ABC’s 10 p.m. weeknight dramas are up on three of four nights vs. “Leno,” and flat on one night. (The network airs newsmagazine “20/20″ on Fridays.)

Thursday’s “Private Practice” is doing best in terms of growth, boosting its 10 p.m. slot by 47 percent vs. the first six weeks of last season. On Mondays, “Castle” is up 13 percent, while Tuesday’s “The Forgotten” is up 10 percent (so how ’bout ordering some more episodes, ABC?). Only Wednesday newcomer “Eastwick” isn’t doing better: Its ratings are even with last year, ABC said.

CBS, meanwhile, is also benefiting from “Leno” — at least on some nights. More…

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