The Question, Sunday 6/22/14: Will Rising Star Rise to the Occasion?

Tonight, ABC returns to the singing competition space with the premiere of Rising Star, which seems most noteworthy for its real-time voting aspect. These premieres are always worth monitoring, as the music-themed competition has been the best way to change an entire network's fortunes in recent years. Not only do these shows have megahit potential, but they have megahit potential across multiple hours and multiple nights of the schedule. However, ABC's already proven that even this lucrative category is far from a slam dunk. Two years ago, ABC's so-called "major music series" Duets premiered to a measly 1.7 rating, and the category was stronger in general back then. I don't really find these promos any more appealing than Duets', and there seems to be some fatigue around the whole category. But maybe the interactivity factor will help this skew younger. Perhaps a key tonight: Rising Star now has to fight off an original episode of America's Got Talent, which NBC clearly placed on this night to try to blunt the Rising Star rating. Over/Under: 1.65. Programming note: I'm out of town this week, so the daily ratings coverage will be on hold till June 30. The usual War of 18-49 posts, a couple more Questions, and a couple other items will post between now and then, so stay tuned!