With all the preseason buzz over "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," there was always the worry, spoken more and more, that the new NBC  drama would draw big audiences at first and then take a tumble.

That's just what's happened. The show had a respectable premiere, with a 5.0 in 18-49 viewers, but in the following two weeks it has lost 30 percent of that audience, despite largely glowing review from critics and strong support from media buyers, many of whom think it the best new show this season.

Should NBC be alarmed? It seemed a good question for Media Life to pose to its readers, and yesterday it did just that in a survey about the series, a behind-the-camera drama from "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin about a fictional comedy show much like "Saturday Night Live."

The answer: NBC should not be alarmed. Most media planners and buyers say the drop in audience was to be expected and that  "Studio 60" will bounce back to become a hit show for the network, though probably never pulling audiences of the size drawn to "Lost."

Overall, in terms of quality, "60" gets top ratings from readers. On a scale of 1 to 10 two thirds ranked it an 8 or better, with 8 getting 26.9 percent of the vote, 9 getting 24.6 percent and 10 earning 12.3 percent.

Certainly huge numbers of media planners and buyers are watching "60." Just under 90 percent say they watched the premiere on Sept. 18, and of that figure 78.7 percent continue to watch the series.

Nearly two thirds of respondents, 60.6 percent, say they are not alarmed by the show's ratings dip, agreeing with the statement: "I figured it would get decent sampling and then settle down to a smaller but loyal audience. It still has strong ratings among upscale viewers, which is what you want from a show like this."

The remainder, a still hefty 39.4 percent, do see trouble in the numbers--and trouble going forward for the series. They agreed with the statement: "Thirty percent is a hefty drop in three weeks, and it did not have a huge premiere to begin with. It has fallen off in its second half hour every week, and that’s very alarming to me."

Do you think the show will bounce back up eventually? Just under a third of respondents think not, agreeing with the statement: "It has a strong (if somewhat incompatible) lead-in in “Heroes” and still sank. I think the second-half viewer drain is pretty telling. I’m not sure how long this show, which is pretty expensive, will last."

But the largest share, 46 percent, see "60" regaining audience. It's just going to take time. They agreed with the statement: " 'Studio 60' could be a slow builder. It’s smart, it’s got great acting, and critics love it, so they’ll be pounding people to watch. Once 'Monday Night Football' is done at midseason, it could find some new devotees who’ve been catching it online or on TiVo."

Interestingly, a surprising 25.1 percent believes NBC needs to move "60" to a different, less competitive timeslot in order see a ratings recovery, and they think NBC will do that.

And while not all readers think "60" is great television, those who do have few reservations, even though they are quick to note its vulnerabilities.

“The show has met all of my expectations and more,” writes one respondent. “The acting is exquisite and the writing is highly intelligent and witty. It might be a bit too inside for those viewers who prefer sitcoms, or family soaps. But for viewers who are more educated and sophisticated, this show is a must-see and will be a winner.”

Writes another: “I had high expectations and the show has met them. It is smart and fast moving. In the long term it will outlast shows about 9 people with super powers and a silly show about a Midwest town surviving a nuclear. As long as people who would buy a Lexus watch, the show will be fine.”

And yet another: “I knew I would like it but I also knew it would not have broad appeal. Halfway through the second episode I thought, yep, it's an Aaron Sorkin show alright, time to turn on closed captioning so I don't miss anything. The dialogue is witty and sharp and fast-paced, and I love that, but I don't think it plays very well to the masses. It might survive though if it develops a loyal upscale audience that advertisers cannot easily reach."