Nellie Andreeva

The ratings tide that lifted shows across the board Monday-Wednesday extended to Friday as most originals were in the black last night. After two weeks of post-premiere slump, ABC’s comedies Last Man Standing (1.6/5) and Malibu Country (1.5/5) both rebounded on the heels of getting five-episode back orders on Wednesday — up 14% and 7%, respectively. How about ABC’s Shark Tank? The network stuck with the show when it seemed almost DOA, and the patience has paid off. Not only does Shark Tank dominate Friday night when in originals, it also repeats well – a rare feat for a reality series. Last night’s encore at 9 PM (1.6/5), was down a modest three tenths from its last original to tie the highest-rated scripted series for the night (Last Man) and help ABC secure another Friday win in 18-49 (tied with CBS, which aired all-originals). ABC won the 9 PM hour with Shark Tank and 10 PM with 20/20 (1.7/5, up 13% from last week).

The 8 PM hour belonged to CBS and its Undercover Boss (1.8/6, even with two weeks ago), which, with Shark Tank in repeats, posted its first No.1 demo finish on the night this season. CSI: NY (1.5/4) was up 7% from its last original two weeks ago, Blue Bloods (1.5/4) was flat. CBS finished No.1 in both 18-49 and total viewers.

The CW’s Nikita had an encouraging return to the Friday 8 PM slot where it aired last season. In its first outing in the hour this fall, the drama (1.24 million, 0.4/1) posted season highs in viewers and 18-49. NBC aired repeats and Dateline (1.1/3); Fox carried college football, which logged a fast national of a 1.1/4.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.