Strong ratings return for 'Prison Break'

Prison Break returned from a four-month hiatus in the US on Monday with a solid ratings performance.

According to early figures, the show averaged 10.3 million viewers overall and scored a 4.3 rating in 18-49, second for the hour. The demo score represents a 22% loss on its last first-run outing in November but a 10% gain on the figures for skating With Celebrities.

Finishing first at 8pm was NBC's Deal Or No Deal, which rose to 16.6 million and provided a strong inheritance for The Apprentice (season high of 10.6 million).

FOX's 24 (13.6 million) was edged by CBS comedy couple Two And A Half Men (16.9 million) and The New Adventures Of Old Christine (15.3 million) while on ABC, Supernanny managed a respectable 10.9 million.

CSI: Miami was the night's top performer, averaging 19.5 million for CBS at 10.