Overnight TV Ratings -- "Dancing" Tops

Personally, I feel ABC shuold have held off on "Dancing With The Stars" til the fall, when "Idol " was resting. Sure the numbers are big and maybe they're hoping reality overkill will dampen "Idol" down the road. But to me, this isn't the smart thing to do long-term for a franchise. Remember "Survivor" -- that used to be big till it wore out its welcome with endless new seasons. I finally caught up with "24" which has its mojo back after the usual mid-season sag. One big plus: the coma for dull as dishwater President Palmer. Another big plus: Ricky Schroeder (no more Rick!) as a real dick. For a complete ratings breakdown, go to MediaWeek's Marc Berman.

8 p.m.

1. Dancing With The Stars -- 20.59 million viewers
2. Deal Or No Deal -- 14.05 million
3. Prison Break -- 8.26 million
4. How I Met Your Mother -- 7.53 million/Old Christine -- 6.86 million
5. Everybody Hates Chris -- 2.66 million/All Of Us -- 2.46 million

9 p.m.

1. Dancing With The Stars -- 22.73 million viewers
2. Deal Or No Deal -- 14.05 million
3. 24 -- 11.88 million
4. Two and a Half Men -- 11.62 million/Rules Of Engagement -- 9.32 million
5. Girlfriends -- 2.11 million/The Game -- 2.14 million

10 p.m.

1. CSI: Miami -- 17.43 million
2. What About Brian -- 7.38 million
3. The Black Donnellys -- 5.83 million