Syfy, A&E score ratings successes

Syfy had its best reality series premiere in more than six years among adults 18-49 with the launch of "Face Off," which drew 896,000 viewers in the demo.

Not since "Ghost Hunters" premiered in October 2004 has a new reality project debuted so well on the cabler. "Face Off," which is a competition series for aspiring special-effects whizzes, drew 1.4 million viewers overall in its 10 p.m. Wednesday timeslot.

McKenzie Westmore hosts, with experts Ve Neill, Glenn Hetrick and Patrick Tatopoulos as judges. Dwight D. Smith and Michael Agabian exec produce for via Mission Control Media.

Meanwhile, A&E had its own ratings achievments to crow about. "Storage Wars" hit series highs with 3.3 million viewers overall and 2.0 million in the demo at 8 p.m., making it the night's No. 1 original cable program.

Then at 9 p.m., the 200th episode of its longest-running original series, "Dog the Bounty Hunter," had its best showing in nearly five years with more than 3.0 million viewers overall and 1.8 million in 18-39.

Thanks to the shows, A&E was cable's No. 1 network Wednesday in 18-49.