ABC’s new sitcoms Modern Family and Cougar Town slipped in their second outings, but they were still the highest-rated shows of the evening last night.

Modern averaged a 3.7 adults 18-49 rating at 9 p.m., according to Nielsen overnights, the night’s top-rated show and off 12 percent from last week’s 4.3 for its debut.

At 9:30, lead-out Cougar Town averaged a 3.6, dropping a bit more, 18 percent, but still tying with CBS’ Criminal Minds, its timeslot companion, for the No. 2 program of the evening.

The combination of Modern and Cougar finished just ahead of Minds in the timeslot with a 3.7, with some of last week’s viewers possibly drifting back to Fox’s Glee. The comedy saw its ratings rise week to week for the first time in its brief four-week run, up 7 percent to a 3.2, equaling its average the week before ABC premiered its comedies.

Living has acquired the rights to Courteney Cox-fronted Cougar Town from ABC Studios.

The Virgin Media Television-owned channel has bought 13 half-hour episodes of the comedy series to air in its peak time schedule next year.

Amy Barham, Head of Acquisitions at Virgin Media Television said: “Cougar Town was a stand-out show for us at this year’s LA Screenings. Hugely entertaining, Cox is on top comedic form with a fantastic supporting cast. We think the show sits perfectly on Living and will really resonate with our audience.”

A spokesperson for ABC added: “With Cougar Town, Bill Lawrence has shone the spotlight on the forty-something woman to produce a fast-paced, lively comedy with wide appeal.

“Of course, Courteney Cox’s fan base and draw is as powerful as ever, not least in the UK – her return to TV comedy is well matched for the Living audience.”

The show recently launched to a decent 11.44m in the US.