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http://tv.yahoo.com/news/marvel-agen...150642296.html

ABC’s mission to translate Marvel’s theatrical success to the small screen is off to a rousing start.

Tuesday night’s premiere of “Marvel’s Agents of Shield” drew strong ratings in key demos and 11.9 million viewers overall despite airing opposite some of the toughest series competition any recent new show has had to endure. In fact, it was up against the most popular series on both CBS and NBC.

In the same 8 p.m. hour last night, CBS’ “NCIS” drew a whopping 19.5 million and NBC’s “The Voice,” which won’t be airing in the hour on a regular basis, attracted 12.7 million. ABC, CBS and NBC combined for 44.1 million viewers from 8 to 9.

“SHIELD,” starring Clark Gregg as the agent character he played in the 2012 film “Marvel’s The Avengers,” tied with “The Voice” as Tuesday’s No. 1 series in the adults 18-49 demo (4.6 rating). Head-to-head, “SHIELD” beat “Voice” in the demo, 4.6/14 to 4.0/12.

The 4.6 rating makes “SHIELD” the top drama premiere on any network since ABC’s “V” in November 2009 — and the best for any 8 p.m. drama since “Lost” in 2004.

ABC was able to bring men to the network, with roughly 58% of the 18-49 audience for “SHIELD” coming from guys. Compare this to last season’s averages for its returning dramas: “Grey’s Anatomy” (24%), “Scandal” (26%), “Revenge” (30%), “Once Upon a Time” (33%) and “Castle” (36%).