People don't seem to want a kindlier, friendlier Howard Stern.
Facing tough competition, Stern's debut as a judge on "America's Got Talent" Monday night dropped from last spring's season premiere, while CBS took an overall ratings win with its slate of season finales, according to preliminary numbers.
"Talent" from 8 to 10 posted a 3.6 in the demo -- down 16 percent from last season's premiere on May 31 -- and 10.3 million total viewers. Last year's season premiere, however, was boosted by "The Voice," which aired following "Talent," and faced repeats from CBS.
Monday night's premiere matched the 2010 premiere, as well as last season's finale.
CBS came in first in the advertiser-cherished 18-49 demographic with an average 3.3/9 and second in total viewers with an average 10.4 million.
The "How I Met Your Mother" season finale at 8 p.m. posted a 3.6/10. "Two and a Half Men"'s season swan song the following hour drew even with last week, drawing a 3.8/10 in the demo. "Mike and Molly" at 9:30 received a 3.3/8, while "Hawaii 5-0" at 10 posted 2.7.
NBC took second place in the demo and third in total viewers with an average 3.0/8 and 8.9 million.
"Smash" at 10 ran even in the demo with a 1.8/5 and posted a seven-week high in total viewers with 6.1 million.
