The Ewings are back — in a big way. The two-hour premiere of TNT’s new Dallas TV series drew big numbers — an average of 6.86 million total viewers with a 1.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic. It was the most-watched program of the night — beating everything else on cable and the broadcast networks.

Dallas had the best demo ratings on cable and was tied for second place with some of the broadcast network fare. FOX’s So You Think You can Dance drew a 2.5 rating and a repeat of CSI on CBS also drew a 1.5 rating.

Here’s the press release from TNT:

TNT’s “Dallas” Rides Tall with 6.9 Million Viewers

Last night’s eagerly anticipated premiere of TNT’s Dallas struck it rich with 6,863,000 viewers, to rank as the #1 scripted series premiere on all of cable for the year-to-date. This marks the third consecutive summer TNT has scored a chart-topping series launch, following Rizzoli & Isles in 2010 and Falling Skies in 2011.

Competitively, TNT was #1 for the night among basic cable networks, with a 3.7 metered-market household rating. Dallas also outperformed all broadcast network programs head-to-head from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. On the demo front, Dallas drew 1,926,000 adults 18-49 and 2,482,000 adults 25-54.

About TNT’s Dallas

The one and only Dallas is back with more great drama. J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing return to Southfork with their arsenal of secrets, schemes and betrayals. This time, they’re joined by the next generation of Ewings, who take ambition and deception to a new level. The battle for power, love and Southfork erupts in the new Dallas on TNT, airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). The exciting drama stars Josh Henderson as John Ross, the son of J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing; Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher, Bobby’s adopted son; Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos, John Ross’ girlfriend; Julie Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter, Christopher’s fiancee; and Brenda Strong as Bobby’s wife, Ann. They are joined by the original series’ iconic stars: Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing. Shot on location in the title city, Dallas comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, with pilot writer Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin serving as executive producers. TNT’s Dallas is based upon the series created by David Jacobs.

About TNT

TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, TNT is home to such original drama series as The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Dallas, Falling Skies, Franklin & Bash, Leverage, Southland and the upcoming Major Crimes, Perception and Monday Mornings. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like this summer’s The Great Escape and the upcoming Boston Blue (w.t.) and 72 Hours (w.t.). In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order and Castle, which starts this year; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards(R); blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

What do you think? Are you surprised that the new Dallas premiere did as well as it did? How well do you think the rest of this season’s episodes will perform?