Bravo's 'Housewives' hits series high

February 18, 2009 "New York" was seen by 1.6 million viewers, up 99% from last year's debut and holding on to 80% of its lead-in -- the season finale of "Real Housewives of Orange County" (2 million). HBO drama "Big Love" (2 million, 1.0 adults 18-49 rating) and "Conchords" (826,000, 0.5) both hit season highs to warm up the evening, with the former continuing its growth this season and the latter jumping 67% from last week. [...] the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced "Eastbound" was seen by only 671,000 viewers and drew a 0.3 demo rating -- on par with the much more under-the-radar premiere of "Summer Heights High" in November.

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