Boston Blue, a homegrown TV drama, topped May sweeps ratings.
Alan Pergament wrote in the Buffalo News that the show's outlandish family dynamics drove its surge.
The program premiered earlier this season, according to TV Tonight, an Australian TV blog that posted the airdate.
Viewers praised the unique plot and complex relationships.
Broadcast on the area 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 future programming decisions in the area.