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American Idol (CTV, Tuesday & Wednesday 8pm) continues to be at the top of the top ten most watched programs chart in Canada. Although we slightly smaller audiences compared to last week, the giant of reality shows is still gathering large amounts over viewers in front of the TV. Once again, no Canadian shows can be spotted in the top-ten chart other than CTV Evening News (CTV, Weekdays 6pm). However, Rick Mercer Report (CBC, Tuesday 8pm) was the 13th most watched show in Canada, when a very impressive 1,275,000 viewers tuned in despite the tough competition against American Idol. Corner Gas (CTV, Mondays 8pm) followed close with an estimated 10,000 viewers less.

BBM / Nielsen is yet to issue the weekly report for the week of December 24-30. Regardless, taking into consideration the fact that CBC's mid-season premieres will probably not make it to the weekly top-ten television ratings chart, it is worth mentioning them today. In an attempt to bring new life to its screen, the public broadcaster introduced four new fictions to its prime-time schedule throughout this week. Fortunately for the Canadian television industry, all of them had a relatively successful beginning, as far as mass appeal is concerned. But, were they successful in terms of storytelling and originality? We watched them and the results are in.

The Border (Mondays, 9pm)