THE new season is only a week old, but already the new fall premieres are showing signs of life – or perhaps slow death.

One week does not a TV season make – but here’s a quick report card on how the new series premieres are doing so far:

* “The Handler”: A

Joe Pantoliano’s CBS drama (he plays a good guy here) notched 12.6 million viewers first time out.

* “Joan of Arcadia”: A

People will buy a show which stars God as a supporting character. “Joan” roped in 13.2 million viewers last Friday.

* “Hope & Faith”: B+

Kelly Ripa’s sitcom averaged a solid 11.5 million viewers on Friday, which is terrific on TV’s least-watched night.

* “Cold Case”: B+

CBS forensics drama got off to a good start.

* “The Lyon’s Den”: B

New Rob Lowe drama won its 10 p.m. timeslot Sunday.

* “Coupling”: B

Much talked-about sitcom drew a rousing 15.3 million viewers last Thursday but mostly because it was in the coveted post-“Will & Grace” timeslot.

* “10-8”: C

ABC cop show co-starring Ernie Hudson and Danny Nucci finished a distant second Sunday night.

* “Miss Match”: C-

Critics love the show, starring Alicia Silverstone and Ryan O’Neal, but the public wasn’t interested.

* “The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H.”: C-

New David E. Kelly sitcom averaged only 8 million viewers on CBS last Wednesday.

* “Whoopi”: D

Goldberg got off to a promising start (15 million viewers), but has been plummeting ever since.

* “Threat Matrix”: D

Way down from its premiere week. Not a good sign.