HDTV Ratings: May 22

Not even the sight of Sports Illustrated cover queen Rachel Hunter out of her comfort zone in Sumatra could win Tuesday’s return of Intrepid Journeys as many viewers as the season finale of Yellowstone.

The premiere of the first season to screen in HD averaged 7.5%-10.7% of the key demographics compared to Yellowstone’s 11.7%-15.3% the previous week.

It was most popular with TV One’s target audience, 25-54 year-olds, and won the 8.30 hour with this demo and 18-49 year-olds.

But TV2’s GCB held up well in its second week, rating 8.5%-11.8%.

It rated highest with household shoppers and TV2’s target audience, 18-39 year-olds (of which it drew a bigger audience than the premiere).

TV3’s NCIS had a strong night, too, averaging 8.1%-9.1%, and was most competitive in the 18-49 demo, where it was neck-and-neck with the TVNZ competition.

Its popularity helped sister show Los Angeles win the 9.30 hour in all the key demos except HHS.

Earlier in the night, Shortland Street continued its 20th anniversary ratings romp with 18.3%-24.9%, which delivered a bumper lead-in to HD comedies The Middle (14.0%-19.9%) and Suburgatory (10.2%-14.9%).

Nonetheless, TV3’s Funny Roots opposition continues to rate consistently, drawing 7.6%-8.0% compared to last week’s 6.2%-9.0%.