'Warehouse 13' opens strong for Syfy

The premiere of "Warehouse 13" opened to a strong number for Syfy, as the network made its much-discussed name change.

"Warehouse" drew 3.5 million viewers, the third-best premiere in the network-formerly-known-as-Sci Fi's history, behind "Stargate: Atlantis" and "Eureka." "Warehouse" was also the most-watched program on cable Tuesday night.

Though Sci Fi -- sorry, takes some getting used to -- Syfy probably assumed it would debut into a news cycle vacuum when it first announced the switchover date, coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial service drowned out much of the Syfy stunting, such as the network's president presiding over the closing bell at NASDAQ. What I'm trying to say is: This is a good number, and even better than it looks.

Also Tuesday evening, NBC’s new reality series, something called “Great American Road Trip” (4.6 million viewers, 1.3 adults 18-49 rating), stalled during its 8 p.m. Premiere, drawing a modest number for a major network debut.

NBC still managed to win the night, however, thanks to “America’s Got Talent” (10.6 million, 3.0) and “Dateline” (6.3 million, 2.3).