New drama gets audience, protest

“Platinum,” UPN’s new drama set in the world of hip-hop, performed reasonably well in its premiere Monday, equaling the network’s usual viewership at 9 p.m., according to Nielsen ratings.

The launch of the series, which will regularly air at 9 p.m. Tuesdays, averaged 3.6 million viewers, only a bit off from its lead-in, “One on One.” The drama dropped in viewers in its second half hour from 3.8 million to 3.4 million.

Meanwhile, a coalition of community activists said Tuesday that they were offended by the series, and planned to launch a protest against the show. Najee Ali, head of Project Islamic Hope, said he felt “Platinum” glorified violence, drug use and hatred toward women. Ali said he would demand a meeting with the producers.

UPN executives said in a statement that the show is a “very honest behind-the-scenes look at aspects of the hip-hop industry.... While we respect Mr. Ali’s opinion, we believe our viewers who are fans of hip-hop music and fans of good television will very much enjoy this show.”

-- Greg Braxton