Despite low ratings, 'Studio 60' continues



LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The show will go on for "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," despite its failure to lure viewers.
NBC said last week it has ordered an additional nine episodes of the backstage drama from "The West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin for a full season's worth of shows, or 22 weeks.
Among the most expensive and high-profile shows for fall 2006, with a star-studded ensemble cast including Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet, glossy "Studio 60" hasn't come close to fulfilling expectations about its viewer appeal.
Last week, it drew an estimated 7.7 million viewers in its 10-11 p.m. Monday time period. By comparison, the top competitor in that slot, "CSI: Miami" on CBS, was watched by an estimated 16.8 million viewers.
Searching for a silver ratings lining, NBC noted that the audience for "Studio 60" is among prime-time TV's highest concentrations of affluent and college-educated viewers, those in homes with incomes of 75,000 and up.
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