The first official night of the fall television season saw five new shows vying for our attention. Despite good starts from Hawaii Five-0, Mike & Molly and The Event, Dancing with the Stars remained strong for ABC. Meanwhile, Lone Star proved a position post-House doesn’t necessarily mean ratings gold.

8pm

• Dancing with the Stars had 21.3 million (5.1/13 in 18-49) checking out the situation.
• House (10.7 million, 4.2/11) was down nearly 6 million from last fall.
• How I Met Your Mother (3.6/10) kicked things off with 8.8 million; Rules of Engagement (3.1/8) attracted 8.4 million.
• Chuck’s premiere drew 5.8 million (2.0/6).
• 90210 returned to 1.8 million (0.9/3).

9pm

• Two and a Half Men had 14.6 million (4.9/12 in 18-49) laughing.
• Mike & Molly’s premiere (12.2 million, 3.9/10) retained most of its lead-in.
• Nearly 10.9 million (3.6/9) set a date with The Event.
• Lone Star (4.1 million, 1.3/3) dropped the ball.
• Gossip Girl (1.8 million, 1.0/3) did about the same as 90210.

10pm

• Hawaii Five-0 (13.8 million, 3.8/10 in 18-49) had an impressive start.
• Castle debuted to 11.2 million (2.7/7).
• Chase (7.3 million, 2.4/6) was last in the hour.