Boston Blue, a homegrown television drama, topped May sweeps ratings.
Alan Pergament wrote in the Buffalo News that the show's bizarre family drama drove its surge.
The program premiered earlier this season, according to TV Tonight, an Australian TV blog that posted the airdate.
Viewers praised the quirky plot and tangled relationships.
Broadcast on the regional network, the show gained a 12.3 rating point lead over its nearest competitor.
Advertisers expanded spots after the rating spike.
The success may influence upcoming programming choices in the region.