“DANCING” LIFTS ABC TO NO. 1 ON MONDAY

Dancing with the Stars returned to ABC’s schedule Monday night — and none too soon. The network, which has been struggling this season, with ratings well below last year’s, attracted an average of 23.79 million viewers between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., peaking in the final half hour with 25.11 million viewers. The season debut outshone last year’s DWTS opener, which drew 22.83 million viewers. (It was no doubt aided by the inclusion of Pamela Anderson among the contestants.) ABC also placed first at 10:00 p.m. with the drama Castle, which attracted 12.94 million. CBS, the usual Monday-night winner, placed second in every half-hour.