Ratings: ‘Dr. Ken’ has okay start; ‘Blue Bloods’ solid; ‘The Amazing Race’ rises

Was the diagnosis for “Dr. Ken” in the early going a good one? While we think it behooves you to remember that this is just a premiere, it looks at least a little more promising than most other comedy series that we’ve seen on Friday night in a while.

Overall, the premiere at 8:30 p.m. Eastern drew a 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic, which actually improved on its “Last Man Standing” lead-in (1.2) and was the top comedy of the night (not that this is saying much). Here is the problem with the series: As much as we like Ken Jeong, the majority of the reviews have not been kind for the series so far. We do think that there is potential here, but it has to work a little harder to avoid some of the typical sitcom-by-the-numbers pitfalls like the goofy dad character and the rebellious teenage daughter.

“Shark Tank” won the night to nobody’s surprise with a 1.7, but the biggest mystery-wrapped-inside-an-enigma remains CBS. We find it remarkable that “Blue Bloods” can draw 11 million viewers, more than even a popular show like “Criminal Minds” and more than twice the audience of a show like “Agents of SHIELD,” and still have a 1.3 in the demo. This show skews older than anything else on TV, and this is further proof.

The good news on “The Amazing Race” front is that it improved slightly to a 1.2 rating based on last week, while “Hawaii Five-0” continues to struggle with a 1.0. The more we see it languish, the more we feel like the sun may be finally setting on this series.

(Photo: CBS.)