Variety reports that the new drama had a 2.8 rating, 9 share in the advertiser-friendly 18-49 year old demographic; the previous week earned the show a 3.6 rating and an 11 share. The political series had also won its 8-9 PM hour during its debut week; however, the Jan. 17 airing lagged behind both ABC's "America's Funniest Home Videos" and Fox's "Fastlane." On a brighter note, the fledgling drama did win the hour with total viewers (10.7 million) and adults aged 25-54.

The new series from Emmy-winning writer-producer Lawrence O'Donnell, Jr. chronicles the struggles of young Senator William Sterling Jr. (Brolin), who is thrust into the position after the Senior Senator of California dies. McDonald portrays his chief of staff, Jackie Brock; others in the series include William Russ as Tommy Doyle; David Noroña as the resident techno-wiz; and James Whitmore as the former California Governor, William Sterling, Sr.

A three-time Tony Award winner for her work in Master Class, Carousel and Ragtime, Audra McDonald was most recently on Broadway in the title role of Marie Christine. The singer-actress recently made her solo Carnegie Hall concert debut in an evening of songs scored for big bands, performing several tunes from her Nonesuch CD, "Happy Songs." McDonald's other solo recordings, "Way Back to Paradise" and "How Glory Goes," are also on the Nonesuch label.

"Mister Sterling" airs 8-9 PM ET on NBC. Check local listings.