Boston Blue, a local television drama, topped May sweeps ratings.
Alan Pergament wrote in the Buffalo News that the show's absurd family dynamics drove its surge.
The program launched earlier this season, according to TV Tonight, an Australian TV blog that posted the airdate.
Viewers praised the quirky plot and complex relationships.
Broadcast on the local 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.