By Andrew Wallenstein

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - The USA Network original series "Monk" returned for its second season Friday in fine form, registering its highest-rated episode yet.

The 10 p.m. premiere of the quirky detective series drew a 4.1 household rating, up 18% from the first-season premiere. A total of 5.4 million viewers and 3.6 million homes watched the episode, making it the highest-rated second-season premiere for an original scripted series on basic cable.

Among viewers 25-54, "Monk" scored a 2.8 rating, beating out all broadcast and cable competitors in that demographic except NBC, which aired "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Among viewers 18-49, "Monk" scored a 2.1 rating. "Monk" benefited from exposure last season on ABC, which aired episodes in primetime during the summer. No decision has been made on whether "Monk" will return to ABC for a second season.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter