’80s flashback proves a

‘Show’-stopperFox’s “That ’80s Show” was critically thrashed – but that didn’t stop viewers from tuning into the show’s Wednesday-night premiere, where it finished second in total viewers (behind ABC’s “My Wife and Kids”) from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

“’80s Show” notched the best debut ratings for any series this season among adults 18-49 and adults 18-34, and provided terrific support for “Grounded for Life,” “Bernie Mac” and “Titus,” which all posted their highest seasonal ratings in key demos. “Bernie Mac,” in fact, posted its best-ever adults 18-34 numbers.

“’80s Show” averaged 11.4 million viewers. While total viewership dipped for “Grounded for Life” at 8:30 (9.8 million), it picked up again with “Bernie Mac” (11.8 million) at 9 p.m., according to national Nielsen numbers.

NBC’s “Inside the Real West Wing” news special (8-9 p.m.) won the night with about 15 million viewers. ABC’s “The Job” was the night’s least-watched show.

‘Geek’ chic all-the-rage for stage show

Comedy Central’s “Beat the Geeks” show has spawned its own (unauthorized) musical adaptation.

Log onto http://www.geocities.com/beatthegeeks/geekmania.html and you’ll see that someone is producing a stage show, “Geekmania,” scheduled to run in Phoenix for two weeks in late April.

The site is looking for four geeks (two music geeks), three producers, three contestants “and a talented, small, light-colored dog able to play dead and climb a ladder.” And there’s a disclaimer: “This project is not affiliated with Comedy Central in any way.”

The proposed show is based on “Beat the Geeks,” in which everyday contestants challenge “geeks” (self-proclaimed experts on a given subject) in a battle of wits. It’s hosted by J. Keith Van Straaten and airs weeknights at 7:30 p.m.

This just in . . .

* Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor talks exclusively with Katie Couric tonight (9 p.m./Ch. 4) about her battle with breast cancer. The chat continues Monday on “Today.”

* Supermodel Emme, “The Magic Garden” hosts Carol & Paula and comedian Charlie Callas will be at Ch. 21’s “Reading Funday” tomorrow (11 a.m.) at the Bergen Mall in Paramus.

* HBO Films launches a seven-movie retrospective tonight through Thursday on HBO Plus (8 p.m.): “Stranger Inside” (tonight); “Dinner with Friends” (tomorrow); “61*” (Sunday);”Boycott” (Monday); “Wit” (Tuesday); “Shot in the Heart” (Wednesday); and “Conspiracy” (Thursday).

* Legendary Latin Quarter pianist Irving Fields visits WOR tomorrow (midnight, 710 AM) to discuss the political songs he’s written for Ronald Reagan and George Bush.