HOLLYWOOD, CA -- CBS' newest CSI spinoff debuted last week to stunning ratings, knocking Fox favorite "American Idol" off the top Tuesday night spot.
According to the Nielsen ratings, "CSI: NEVERLAND" was viewed in over 26 million homes, making it second only to ABC megahit "Desperate Housewives" in the overall weekly ratings.
This latest addition to the CSI family focuses on seasoned crime-scene investigators looking for evidence of criminal activity at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
Last night's episode, the first in 22 already filmed, revolved around forensic specialists looking for traces of "Jesus Juice" and adolescent boy DNA under the pop star's Tinkerbell and Peter Pan bunk beds. Having found what they believe to be incriminating evidence, the forensic experts become trapped on one of Neverland's carousels, as it spins dangerouly out of control.
While critics called the show a "disgusting, shameful attempt to capitalize on headlines," "embarrassing, vile filth, full of perversion and innuendo," and "the worst piece of trash ever, even worse than the Jackson trial itself," network executives disagree. "We feel this is a tasteful way to educate the viewing public on such important issues as 'good touch,' 'bad touch' -- we recommend parents watch this show with their children," said a CBS spokesman.