Game 1 of the World Series was easily a knockout for FOX—but it also did well for ABC. Although it was a distant second in the viewers, the Alphabet network saw its audience numbers go up thanks to original counterprogramming.

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• Last night’s World Series game (19.5 million, 6.3 rating in 18-49) had the best numbers for an opener in five years.
• Monsters vs. Aliens (2.2/6) pulled in 6.9 million for NBC; a second showing (5.6 million, 1.9/5) did 1.3 million less.
• The New Adventures of Old Christine* (6.6 million, 1.6/5) lost 400,000; Gary Unmarried* (6.4 million, 1.7/5) did the same.
• It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown* (6.3 million, 2.0/6) did 500,000 better than last week’s Hank; The Middle (6.6 million, 2.2/6) picked up 200,000.
• America’s Next Top Model (3.5 million, 1.6/4) reached a season high demo.