Fox in the money with "Secret Millionaire" bow

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Fox's new reality effort "Secret Millionaire" performed much better than expected Wednesday, suggesting that the short-run altruistic series could have a future on the network.

The evening's two episodes of "Millionaire" averaged 7.4 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. Although not a huge number, the premiere was only modestly promoted and aired in December -- when new programs typically have a tough time attracting audiences -- so Fox's expectations were low. The show is considered a softhearted departure from the network's usual reality brand of more competition-oriented and envelope-pushing fare.

There's four more episodes of "Millionaire" left to air in the coming weeks, and Fox likely will get its promotional machine rolling to see if it can turn a December effort into a returning show.

Also during the 9 p.m. hour, NBC's "Life" averaged 8.2 million viewers, followed by 7.8 million for ABC's "Private Practice," and 7 million for CBS' inaugural telecast of the Grammy nominations.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter