‘Gossip’ spreads among viewers

“Gossip Girl” is finally gaining new fans.

After averaging a small audience of 2.4 million viewers last season, the CW’s sexy teen soap is now hitting new heights in the ratings race. Monday’s episode scored a best-ever 3.7 million viewers and posted big jumps among people ages 18 to 34 (up 17% from Season 1) and 18 to 49 (up 12%).

Meanwhile, CW’s “One Tree Hill,” now in its sixth season, drew its best ratings Monday night since December 2006. The shows combined to give the CW a win for the night in key female demographics and viewers ages 18 to 34.

-- Denise Martin