Is it possible for a new series to succeed without help from American Idol? Yesterday’s official premiere of Glee had network execs hopeful. The comedy had the best fall debut for a new scripted FOX program in two years.

8pm

• Approximately 21.2 million watched President Obama’s health-care speech over the three major networks.
• Season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance (6.5 million, 2.7/8 in 18-49) was down 2.3 million from it’s May debut.
• Cycle 13 of America’s Next Top Model (3.2 million, 1.5/4) was off 700,000 from last fall.

9pm

• America’s Got Talent (9.7 million, 2.1/6 in 18-49) had its smallest audience of the season.
• Glee (7.3 million, 3.3/9) built upon its lead-in.
• Criminal Minds* (1.4/4) arrested 6.2 million.
• Wipeout (1.7/4) had 5 million wincing.

10pm

• Law & Order: SVU* (1.6/5 in 18-49) rounded up 6.5 million.
• CSI: NY* (1.3/3) turned in 6.2 million.
• Primetime: Crime (1.3/4) brought in 3.8 million.

*denotes repeat