Boston Blue, a local TV series, topped May sweeps ratings.
Alan Pergament wrote in the Buffalo News that the show's bizarre family drama drove its surge.
The program debuted earlier this season, according to TV Tonight, an Australian TV blog that posted the airdate.
Viewers praised the off‑beat plot and complex relationships.
Broadcast on the area network, the show earned a 12.3 rating point lead over its nearest competitor.
Advertisers increased spots after the rating spike.
The success may influence future programming decisions locally.