Ratings: ‘America’s Got Talent,’ ‘I Can Do That’ get NBC off to great start

Great news for all of those who do like “America’s Got Talent.” While the show has definitely drawn bigger numbers in years past than it does today, we do at least feel like it continues to be impressive as a summer series.

Overall, the show drew for its first episode a 2.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic. This is down from the premiere episode of the show last year, but it is still impressive and far and away the best rating of the night. The only thing even remotely close to this rating was the 1.8 that new series “I Can Do That” received. That’s a great start there, and it proves further that this is one of the best lead-ins that can exist in the summer. Previously, we saw “AGT” end up helping “The Night Shift” to the point that it manages to actually premiere during the season.

To us, the big flop of the night was the return of “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” which drew just a 0.8 rating. This may be further proof that while a number of networks seem desperate to create the next big summer game show, that doesn’t mean that it is altogether successful. “500 Questions” has been middling at best in the numbers, and this show seems almost dead on arrival now.

Oh, and “Hell’s Kitchen” drew a 1.1. This show is almost undead at this point, given that it continues to stay alive almost every year no matter its schedule or its ratings. It is pretty crazy that way, but Gordon Ramsay continues to be a significant ratings force.

If you missed it, head over here to get our full review of the “America’s Got Talent” premiere from last night! Also, you can sign up here to get some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)