Housewives Premiere Weaker Than Last Year

The third season premiere of Housewives on ABC was down in the ratings from last seasons premiere. This season premiere had 23.8 million viewers in the 18-49 group and was the nights top show, but last years premiere had 28.4 million viewers for that age group. Last season became lackluster as the season went on so I wonder if some of the viewers went elsewhere. The season is still young and may change but if the lower numbers continue ABC may grow concerned.