Fast National ratings for Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The return of "America's Got Talent" drew solid ratings for NBC Tuesday, but when all is said and done ABC and the NBA Finals are likely to come out on top.

Based on the early numbers, ABC's 7.3 rating/12 share in households beat NBC's 7.1/12, but NBC had more total viewers, 11.4 million to 11.13 million. Given how much NBA ratings have jumped in the final numbers (about 4 million per game in the series), ABC should end up leading that measure as well. FOX finished third for the night with a 4.5/8, followed by CBS, 3.7/6, and The CW, 0.9/2.

(Update: ABC moved ahead in total viewers in the final tally, averaging 11.6 million from 8 to 11.)

ABC dominated the adults 18-49 demographic with a 4.5 rating. FOX and NBC tied for second at 3.1. CBS drew a 1.3, and The CW failed to crack the 1.0 mark.

"Deal or No Deal" (5.5/10) gave NBC the lead at 8 p.m. ABC took second with "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 5.0/9, and the NBA pregame show, 5.5/9. The CBS special "AFI's 10 Top 10" and FOX's "Moment of Truth" tied for third at 3.9/7. The CW went with a "Beauty and the Geek" rerun.

At 9 p.m., Game 6 of the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers series scored a 7.7/13 for ABC to lead in households, just ahead of the season premiere of "America's Got Talent," 7.4/12, on NBC. FOX took sole possession of third with "Hell's Kitchen," 5.1/8. CBS' AFI special was fourth, and "Reaper" earned a 1.0/2 for The CW.

The Celtics' title-clinching blowout of the Lakers improved to 8.8/15 for ABC at 10 p.m., edging the 8.3/14 for "America's Got Talent." "AFI's 10 Top 10" concluded with a 3.5/6 on CBS.

Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change, especially in the case of live telecasts.