Hell’s Kitchen - a usual summer staple - made an appetizing debut last night.  Combined with American Idol, the show helped FOX win in both the demos and the viewers.

8pm

• American Idol (25.2 million, 9.3/25 in 18-49) grew in size since last week.
• NCIS* (10.2 million, 2.1/6) was up 800,000.
• The Biggest Loser (8.2 million, 3.3/8) tacked on 300,000 lbs.
• Just for Laughs (1.4/4) took in just 5.5 million.
• Beauty and the Geek (1.6 million, 0.7/2) did the same as before.

9pm

• Dancing with the Stars (17.3 million, 4.0/10 in 18-49) was in synch with last week’s numbers.
• Hell’s Kitchen (5.7/14) fired up 12.6 million.
• Big Brother (6.4 million, 2.4/6) dragged behind the other reality shows.
• Reaper* (1.7, 0.6/2) also turned in a repeat performance.

10pm

• A special CSI: Miami (14.3 million, 4.1/11 in 18-49) did leaps and bounds better than the canceled Jericho.
• Live to Be 150 (2.5/7), a special hosted by Barbara Walters, had 10.2 million checking in.
• Law & Order: SVU (5.7 million, 2.1/6) took a 2.8 million hit.

*denotes repeat

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