This weekend’s ABC premieres made it clear audiences prefer their dramas soapy on Sunday nights.

• Although Desperate Housewives (19.3 million viewers, 7.4/17 share in 18-49 demo) and Brothers & Sisters (13.3 million, 5.1/13) were both down from last year’s premieres (23% and 15% respectively), both shows earned their best numbers since Nov. 26th.
• Cold Case (13.5 million, 3.4/8) and Shark (11.4 million, 2.7/7) did improve upon last week’s premieres, though Shark’s numbers were lower compared to last year’s time slot holder (Without a Trace).
• The Simpsons (8.4 million, 4.2/11), King of the Hill (7.2 million, 3.5/9) and Family Guy (7.9 million, 4.2/10) all underperformed their numbers from last Sunday.

Not surprisingly, Dancing With the Stars dominated Monday night’s competition.  What was surprising?  Heroes’ fleeing viewers…

• Dancing with the Stars (20.3 million viewers, 5.2 rating/13 share in 18-49 demo) was slightly down from last week’s premiere but easily danced away with the evening’s win
• With 11.9 million viewers, Heroes (5.5/13) dropped 15% from last Monday’s showing.
• New shows Chuck (8.2 million, 3.1/8) and Journeyman (8.4 million, 3.3/8) both showed declines in their time periods.
• K-Ville (5.5 million, 2.0/4) continued its gradual decline while Prison Break (7.2 million, 3.0/8) held fairly steady.
• CSI: Miami (14.9 million, 4.6/12) ruled its time slot vs. Journeyman and The Bachelor (9.6 million, 3.6/9).