Nellie Andreeva

In its second outing, Katie Couric’s new syndicated talk show drew a 2.3 household rating/7 share in the metered markets, down 18% from its big series premiere. In women 25-54, Katie posted a 1 rating, down 38%. Even with the declines, it still led all freshman talkers and was outrated only by veterans Ellen (2.9/8 in HH, down a tenth from Monday’s premiere), Live! With Kelly & Michael (2.9/10, even) and Dr. Phil (2.4/7). Katie edged Dr. Oz (2.2/6), after tying the show on Monday, and was way ahead of Anderson Live! (1.1/4).

A big surprise was the big 48% year-to-year drop for last season’s ratings leader Dr. Phil, which had its 11th-season premiere yesterday. The show also debuted a day later last fall because of U.S. Open tennis coverage when it featured an exclusive interview with the parents of Casey Anthony.

Among the other new talk shows, Steve Harvey (1.4/4, 0.9 in W 25-54) has been solid, dropping only a tenth in households from its series premiere last Tuesday and its Monday airing and holding steady in the women’s demo. Things do not look good for Jeff Probst (0.7/2, 0.3 in W 25-54) which dropped an alarming 30% in households and 50% in W25-54 from its Monday premiere. In households, Jeff Probst tied Ricki Lake, who finished dead last on Monday (The show continues to be hampered by restricted carriage of the Tribune station in New York.) But per Twentieth TV, Ricki Lake showed an demo uptick, from 0.4 to 0.5 in W 25-54, the only new talker in positive territory.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.