ABC ON TOP

Congratulations to the Alphabet network which has come out on top this TV season as the network to gain the most in the Nielsen race and come out on top in the 18-49 demo, the one most loved by advertisers.

The Disney-owned network which had three shows in the top-4 last week has certainly gone a long way since the troubled post-Millionaire times when it struggled with its low-rated line-up. Unable to develop a hit, one of its most watched programs at the time was the notorious Martin Bashir Michael Jackson interview.

Ever since the arrival of new scripted dramas "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" in 2004, the network had been on the rise. Last year it successfully launched "Grey's Anatomy", a medical show that has grown into a monster hit on Thursday nights eclipsing all CSI franchises on CBS and becoming the #1 scripted drama in America so far this season.

The network also airs "Dancing with the Stars", the most popular reality contest in the country (at least until the return of FOX's "American Idol" in January) and despite poor lead-in retention ABC's "Help Me Help You" is the highest rated new comedy.

Finally, ABC is the first network to pick up the second new show for a full season of 22 episodes. Following the success of "Ugly Betty" on Thursday nights, Sunday night drama "Brothers and Sisters" starring Sally Field was also given the 9-episode back order. And unlike other networks ABC has yet to cancel any of the rookie shows.

There in no longer any doubt; the Mickey Mouse network is on fire.