Idle Idol audience

The "American Idol" premiere last night drew 33.2 million viewers. Sounds like a lot, but it's down 4 million from last year.

I'm not sure how to slice that - the numbers going forward will tell the tale. As "Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe said, "Idol" could lose a huge chunk of its audience and still be the most popular show on TV.

But do you think the execs at Fox will start sweating if "Idol" is getting only "CSI" type numbers? Yes indeedy they will.

Personally, I think "Idol" may be entering its mature, "Survivor" type phase: Still a popular show and a hit, but no longer a cultural phenomenon.

If that's the case, it's going to put increasing pressure on Fox to get "House" and "24" back on the air.