Faltering, once sure-fire medical dramas All three new series are failing, even as returning shows flourish. What ails? Writers trying to rewrite the formula (charts).   A first: Fox climbs to No. 1 in October It's the earliest the network has taken the lead in 18-49s, and it's hosting a World Series that should draw hefty ratings (charts)   On broadcast, the year of the spinoff Season's No. 1 new series, 'Cleveland Show' and 'NCIS: LA,' are both launched from top series. But positioning's also key (charts).   At last, comedy is back on network TV Four of the top 10 shows of the week are sitcoms, after years of failed efforts to rouse a laugh or two in primetime (charts)   For Fox, the rarest of wins: A fall week Takes the second week of the new season with a 3.1 in 18-49s, lifted by football and higher ratings for many shows (charts)   ABC nabs first week of the new season Averages a 3.3/9 in 18-49s, just ahead of CBS's 3.2/9, with three top new shows. Fox pulls a 3.1/9, NBC a 2.7/9. (Charts)   Broadcast season starts off with a bang New and returning shows are turning in hefty ratings after a string of weak season starts. Even the Emmys show was up. (charts)   For NBC, one big end-of-summer kick Network gains a commanding lead in the ratings with football and strong 'Leno' debut in weeks before the season begins (charts)   At summer's end, Fox wins again But it's something of a Pyrrhic victory, with ratings off 14 percent, to a 1.8 in 18-49s. No. 2 CBS is even at 1.6 (charts).   With fall, expect a strong NFL season Preseason games are turning in their best numbers in years, driven in no small part by engaging storylines (charts) next >>