How many episodes do you give a TV to convince you to become a regular viewer?

It all depends on the show. I know that the first episodes are often dull because they're focusing more on the characters. But there have been times when I couldn't get past that first show.

It has to do SOMETHING for me in the pilot. If I an not at least intrigued by a pilot, I won't be back next week. I give it a few weeks to make it must-see for me, but eventually it has to start pulling it's own weight. Of course, the best way to ensure I come back is to HOOK me in the first week. (ie like Lost did. )

I rarely watch TV at all, and would be fine not having one at all in my house. The moments my family has it on, and I'm in the room, it usually puts me to sleep, so I have to read or do needlepoint to stay awake.

(Although I do have to say that "My Cat From Hell" on Animal Planet, did give me a good laugh a couple of weeks ago when I watched the TV last! )

Episode 1 has to be strong enough to keep me from turning and to make me remember to watch again next week. Episode 2 then has got to be good enough to prove that it's a show worth keeping up with.

I give it a couple weeks unless the pilot is really dull.

It depends. Some shows have hooked my from the first episode and others took me a little while to get into.