Voters tired of political ads - and television in general - took a rest from the boob tube last night. This meant lower numbers for most programs and a disappointing season debut for Law & Order. (The show had its worst Wednesday ever.) Thanks to a rare mid-week airing of DWTS, ABC was tops with the viewers yesterday. Meanwhile, the Alphabet network was also tied with FOX in the demos.

8pm

• Dancing with the Stars (15.6 million, 3.2/9 in 18-49) was the most-watched program last night.
• Bones (3.2/9) returned to 10.1 million.
• The New Adventures of Old Christine (6.6 million, 1.9/5) fell by 1 million; Gary Unmarried (6.4 million, 2.1/6) retained most of its lead-in.
• Knight Rider (5.1 million, 1.6/4) made many question why it was given a full season order.
• America’s Next Top Model (3.9 million, 2.0/6) did the same as last week.

9pm

• Criminal Minds (14.3 million, 3.5/9 in 18-49) added on 500,000.
• DWTS helped Private Practice (9.5 million, 3.2/8) pick up 1.8 million.
• A House* repeat (2.7/7) pulled in 6.7 million.
• Life (5.8 million, 2.0/5) had a lackluster debut at its new day and time.
• Stylista (2 million, 1.0/2) improved a notch.

10pm

• CSI: NY (11.7 million, 3.3/9 in 18-49) was down 1.9 million.
• Law & Order (7.8 million, 2.2/6) was off 42% from its last premiere.
• Dirty Sexy Money (6.2 million, 2.0/5) remained steady.

*denotes repeat

(You can review last Wednesday’s ratings here.)