'Heroes' premiere down 25% from last year

September 23, 2008 The two-hour premiere of NBC's top drama "Heroes" was down 25% compared with last year's one-hour opener, taking an expected hit following a creatively middling second season and an extended nine-month hiatus prompted by the writers strike. NBC's weaker standings gave CBS a clear opening to lead the night, and the network took it: CBS won its first premiere week Monday since 2002. Proving that not every show is returning weaker than last year, CBS' "Two and a Half Men" (14.9 million, 5.3/12) -- whose repeats were on like a ratings champ nightlight during strike -- returned up 10% from last year to top the night with its best premiere rating in four years.

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