Seeming to validate NBC programmers' decision to switch its hit sitcom Frasier from its Must-See showcase on Thursday back to Tuesday, ratings for the sitcom's season debut hit a home run Tuesday night, attracting NBC's biggest audience in the 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. hour in 11 years, despite airing opposite Game 3 of the World Series, which eked out a second-place finish.

Moreover, the debut of The Michael Richards Show in the 8:00 p.m. hour also performed strongly. (Frasier scored a 13.2 rating and a 31 share while Richards pulled a 9.3/15, NBC's best numbers in that period since 1996.)

Source: Studio Briefing