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The return of Donald Trump's The Apprentice was the weak link in NBC's schedule on Monday night, according to early figures.
The season five premiere - airing in the show's new Monday, 9pm timeslot - pulled in an average of just 9.69 million viewers, down 15% on the season four premiere and a hefty 45% on the season three premiere. NBC finished fourth for the hour, behind CBS comedy double Two and A Half Men (18.43 million) and Courting Alex (13.78 million), FOX's 24 (13.87 million) and ABC's season high, two-hour finale of The Bachelor: Paris (11.53 million).
NBC had earlier enjoyed success in the 8pm hour with Deal Or No Deal, which pulled in 13.44 million viewers and helped the network to its best 18-49 score for the timeslot in a year. It beat out FOX's Skating With The Celebrities (8.8 million) and ABC's Wife Swap (9.34 million).
CSI: Miami was the night's top show on any network, snagging 18.43 million and a 15 share in the 10pm hour for CBS. NBC's Medium dropped to 10.43 million, its lowest ratings to date.
