RATINGS RECAP: 11/28/10

Check back later tonight for Monday's recap if final numbers are available as well as the Rundown for tomorrow. Also, come back tomorrow for the monthly freshman scorecard as we welcome in December!

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Desperate Housewives (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Brothers & Sisters
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 Movie: November Christmas
Viewers: 13.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
7:58 Football Night in America Part 2
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
8:22 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 14.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.8
8:31 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 19.1 million, 18-49 demo: 7.1

FOX
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 26.6 million, 18-49 demo: 9.3
7:37 The OT
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.8
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
8:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

ABC was in repeats on the final Sunday in November. America's Funniest Home Videos were hardly affected at all and was in fact up in the demo from last week. However, dramas Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters do not repeat well and were very low. CBS had no football overrun which of course negatively impacted 60 Minutes which was down a huge 5.6 million viewers and 1.8 in the demo. These numbers are probably closer to what it will get when football ends. The Amazing Race was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo as it nears its fall edition finale. Finally, the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie November Christmas was a success in total viewers but low in the demo as these movies typically are. Still, it was a good showing overall.

NBC had another successful night of football though the Chargers-Colts matchup was down a hefty 4.1 million viewers and 1.7 in the demo from last week's Giants-Eagles matchup. FOX had NFL overrun which was strong as always and helped the night - particularly The Simpsons, which was up a whopping 2.8 million viewers and 1.2 in the demo, hitting season highs in both categories. What a great showing for a show that is over 20 years old! The Cleveland Show benefited from the better lead-in and was up 2.3 million viewers and a full demo point, also hitting season highs. Family Guy however was a repeat and did not experience a bump though it came close to last week's first-run numbers. Finally, American Dad! moved in the right direction as it was up 1.2 million viewers and six tenths in the demo.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/27/10

ABC
 8:00 College Football
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

CBS
8:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

NBC
8:00 Merry Madagascar
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:30 Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Movie: Bee Movie
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Movie: Click
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 

RATINGS RECAP: 11/26/10

ABC
8:00 Movie: Happy Feet
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 CSI: NY (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 School Pride
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Movie: Enchanted
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 TV's Funniest Holiday Moments
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

On the day after Thanksgiving, ABC aired the movie Happy Feet to low numbers while a 20/20 interview with President and Mrs. Obama was down 1.2 million viewers and nearly a full demo point from last week. This probably would have done better had it aired on a different Friday. CBS aired repeats of its surviving Friday dramas to good numbers, particularly in the total viewer category. Blue Bloods is yet another CBS drama that seems to repeat well.

NBC's School Pride finally came to its likely end as it was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week. It is unlikely this show will ever see the light of day again. Dateline was preempted by the movie Enchanted which had low numbers. FOX aired a holiday special that was low but actually above the usual combo of The Good Guys and a repeat of House.  

RATINGS RECAP: 11/25/10

ABC8:00 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:30 Beyonce's I Am... World Tour Special
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 $#*! My Dad Says (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

NBC
8:00 Taylor Swift: Speak Now Special
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 NBC's People of the Year Special
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 The Apprentice
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 NFL Postgame
Viewers: 23.1 million, 18-49 demo: 8.0

8:20 Movie: The Simpsons Movie
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

On Thanksgiving night, the networks all altered their normal schedules to mixed results. ABC had decent results for the second airing of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and decent enough numbers from a special repeat airing of a Modern Family episode from last year but they were barely on the map with a Beyonce special which was well below last year's Beyonce special (5.2 million viewers/1.7 demo). CBS had good results from a night of repeats - particularly of note is The Big Bang Theory's numbers at 9pm, for a repeat and not in its usual time. Will CBS find a way to move Big Bang here next season? CBS seems to always get acceptable numbers for its repeats and new shows $#*! My Dad Says and Mike & Molly seemed to be following that trend.

NBC had a low-rated night with disappointing numbers for a Taylor Swift special, which should have been higher given how popular Swift has been in recent weeks with her new album. An NBC People of the Year special was equally low and The Apprentice dipped to season lows in a disastrous season as it was down three tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. FOX had a bit of NFL overrun in the 8pm half-hour which will inflate its numbers but its airing of The Simpsons Movie did not generate much interest, though it was tied for best in the demo for the night, excluding NFL.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/24/10

ABC8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 Better With You
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
9:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Primetime Special
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 Survivor Clip Show
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 The Defenders (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Merry Madagascar
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 The Biggest Loser Special
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

FOX
8:00 Human Target
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

ABC was all-new on the final night of sweeps and the night before Thanksgiving. Last year their comedies hit series lows on Thanksgiving eve and they were all down from last week but held their own this time around. The Middle was down a million viewers and six tenths in the demo. The demo was a season low but it's still a solid result. Better With You was down two tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo, again a season low in that category. Modern Family was down 1.5 million viewers and just under a full demo point hitting season lows in both categories and Cougar Town was down five tenths in viewers and just over half a demo point, also hitting season lows in both categories. Despite the drops, these shows showed some strength on a tough night, particularly in the demo and should rebound nicely the next time new episodes air. A Primetime special on celebrity plastic surgery was up from last week's People Magazine special and about even with the Robin Roberts special from a few weeks back. ABC will bring The Whole Truth back to burn off remaining episodes starting next week.

CBS opted not to air new episodes. They aired a clip show of Survivor which was well below normal numbers and repeats of Criminal Minds and The Defenders, which had solid results for repeats, particularly in the total viewer category. NBC preempted its regular lineup for specials including the premiere of Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special which had soft results. FOX chose to air new episodes of its regular lineup. Human Target was down just over a million viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere which isn't too bad considering it being Thanksgiving Eve, but it will be in trouble if it doesn't perk back up next week. Hell's Kitchen was down eight tenths in viewers and almost half a demo point for season lows at 9pm.

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 10 Thanksgiving Episodes

It's a special edition of Weekend Rewind this week (on Wednesday!) counting down the Top 10 Thanksgiving themed episodes. As always this is based on personal opinion so enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Close Calls

Everybody Loves Raymond "The Bird"

Everybody Loves Raymond #180 "The Bird" - A hilarious Thanksgiving dinner with Robert's in-laws (played to perfection by Fred Willard and Georgia Engel) that includes a funny Thanksgiving play.
Home Improvement #160 "Thanksgiving" - The Taylors spend Thanksgiving at the Silverdome and the Detroit Lions' home game but Tim causes a power outage in the stadium. A fun episode for those who love Thanksgiving Day football.
Bewitched #119 "Samantha's Thanksgiving to Remember" - Aunt Clara sends the Stephens back to Plymouth in the 1600s where Darrin is accused of being a witch. A nice historical look at Thanksgiving.
Friends #179 "The One With the Rumor" - Brad Pitt guest stars as Will, a formerly fat friend of Monica who formed an "I Hate Rachel Greene" fan club with Ross in high school. A great episode and a great guest starring turn by Pitt.
The Cosby Show #133 "Cliff's Wet Adventure" - Cliff has to go out to get items for Clair in a storm multiple times and Denise invites Martin's ex-wife to Thanksgiving dinner. The episode is good but Cliff's performance is a standout.

10. Everybody Loves Raymond #10 "Turkey or Fish" (first aired November 22, 1996)
In the first of many Thanksgiving episodes in this classic series, Debra tries to break tradition by hosting Thanksgiving and serving fish instead of turkey. Among the many funny moments are Ray putting the fish in the dishwasher and Marie subtly trying to sabotage Thanksgiving.

The Middle "Thanksgiving"

9. The Middle #8 "Thanksgiving" (first aired November 25, 2009)
In the first Thanksgiving episode of this great young series, Frankie cancels Thanksgiving when everyone seems to have other things going on or bad attitudes. Like this series so often does, it mixes humor with heart when Axl finds Brick in the corn maze and the kids and Mike try to do Thanksgiving for Frankie.

8. Roseanne #32 "We Gather Together" (first aired November 21, 1989)
In the first of many Thanksgiving episodes, Roseanne is stressed by all the guests from both sides of the family coming over and Jackie tries to hide her new career as a policewoman from her parents. A typically dysfunctional Thanksgiving makes for a great episode about this dysfunctional family.

WKRP in Cincinnati "Turkeys Away"

7. WKRP in Cincinnati #7 "Turkeys Away" (first aired October 30, 1978)
A well-known episode from an otherwise unremarkable series, Mr. Carlson has a big Thanksgiving stunt planned that he won't let any of the rest of the staff in on. When that stunt turns out to be dropping turkeys from the sky, he utters the famous line "as God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." That line and the reaction from the group as they recall the events makes this episode a classic. 

6. Friends #130 "The One Where Ross Got High" (first aired November 25, 1999)
No show was better known for great Thanksgiving episodes than Friends and this is one of the best. There are many great moments including Ross's reluctance in having to tell his parents he got high in college, Phoebe's dreams about Jack Gellar, and Joey and Ross wanting to escape to go out with Joey's hot roommate. But what makes this among the best is Rachel's English Trifle - which she accidentally mixes with a Shephard's Pie, and everyone's reactions to eating it.

5. The Wonder Years #53 "The Ties that Bind" (first aired November 14, 1990)
In a heartwarming Thanksgiving episode, Jack is forced to be gone during Thanksgiving after getting a promotion and Norma is noticeably upset. But when she and the family meet him at the airport in a great final scene, the kids see a tenderness in their parents not usually seen.

Cheers "Thanksgiving Orphans"

4. Cheers #104 "Thanksgiving Orphans" (first aired November 27, 1986)
In a very memorable episode, the Cheers gang has nowhere to go for Thanksgiving but they all end up together and the dinner devolves into a very funny and memorable food fight. The episode is hysterical ending with a glimpse of Norm's unseen wife Vera... with a pie covering her face.

3. Mad About You #55 "Giblets for Murray" (first aired November 17, 1994)
Paul and Jamie host Thanksgiving for their families in a great episode. From the constant attempts at getting a turkey (including lowering it to the kitchen window from the upstairs apartment), to the opposition against a buffet style meal, everything that could go wrong does go wrong. The best moment is Jamie throwing one of the turkeys out of the window.

Friends "The One With the Football"

2. Friends #57 "The One With the Football" (first aired November 21, 1996)
In the best of many great Thanksgiving episodes from this series, Ross and Monica renew their football rivalry by playing football in the park with the rest of the friends. This episode is a classic from start to finish including Chandler and Joey's competition for a Dutch girl watching and Ross and Monica's constant trash talking. Plus, who wouldn't want to being playing football on Thanksgiving with these guys? It makes you want to be there with them.

1. The Bob Newhart Show #83 "Over the River and Through the Woods" (first aired November 22, 1975)
But the best Thanksgiving episode is this classic from The Bob Newhart Show. Bob, Howard, Jerry, and Mr. Carlin spend Thanksgiving together getting drunk and watching them all try to function is a comedic masterpiece. While they are all funny, Bob steals the show as he calls himself "durrr" (Dr.) Bob Hartley on the phone and orders "more moo goo gai pan." It is comic genius throughout the episode and showcases the best of many characters who are pretty good to begin with.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/23/10

ABC
8:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Dancing with the Stars Results
Viewers: 24.2 million, 18-49 demo: 5.3

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 18.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 15.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 10.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
9:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:30 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

ABC had a massive night thanks to its Dancing with the Stars fall edition finale. No Ordinary Family started things off and was up slightly from last week's lows. It was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Next week, it will get a chance to prove its mettle at the slightly less competitive 9pm slot for three weeks. Dancing with the Stars followed as it crowned Jennifer Grey the winner and it delivered huge results, up a whopping 6.8 million viewers and 1.9 demo points. It also had its best finale numbers in years as this veteran show is showing no signs of fading. Who will the celebrities be for the winter edition?

CBS aired an all-new drama lineup and had pretty good holds against ABC's juggernaut. NCIS was down six tenths in viewers and even in the demo as it did not have to compete with Dancing. NCIS: Los Angeles did though but was only down eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, which is a great showing. The Good Wife did not fare quite as well as it was down 1.7 million viewers but just a tenth in the demo. While NCIS: Los Angeles and The Good Wife did hit season lows, these are pretty good results against much tougher competition.

NBC had its usual lineup and also survived against ABC but was low as usual. The Biggest Loser was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo, hitting a season low in that category. Without Dancing to compete with next week, it may perk up as it nears its finale. At 10pm, Parenthood was down three tenths in viewers for a season low but actually up a tenth in the demo. It still remains very low though, it will need to show some improvement when it moves to Monday to see a third season.

FOX had its regular lineup for now. Glee was down a troubling 1.3 million viewers and a full demo point, hitting season lows in both categories. There doesn't seem to be a great reason for why this was down as it did not compete with Dancing. Is it starting to fade? Or was this a bad week for the show's young audience? A new Raising Hope was down just two tenths in viewers and the demo. While the viewer total is a season low it displayed better retention out of Glee than usual. A repeat of Hope was actually up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, which is good news for FOX. 

RATINGS RECAP: 11/22/10

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 23.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.9
9:13 Skating with the Stars
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
8:30 Rules of Engagement
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 14.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.5
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 12.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

NBC
8:00 Chuck
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 The Event
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Chase
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:00 Lie to Me
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

ABC had good and bad news on Monday night. The good news was of course Dancing with the Stars, which was up three million viewers and nearly a full demo point for its final performances night. The viewers is a season high but the demo couldn't match the season premiere's 5.1 demo. It should see huge results for its finale tonight. The bad news was for knock-off show Skating with the Stars which had decent overall numbers, but that doesn't tell the true story which is it dropped tremendously each half hour. It should have a rough go of it when it takes Dancing's 8pm slot next week.

CBS had a great night for its regular lineup even against the mighty Dancing. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was down just two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Rules of Engagement was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. These are good holds against tougher competition. Two and a Half Men was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while new sitcom Mike & Molly had great results as it was up seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, hitting series highs in both categories. This show is flourishing without the Dancing competition. Finally, Hawaii Five-0 benefited from no Castle competition as it was up a whopping two million viewers and half a demo point, hitting its best numbers in weeks. Overall, these were great results for the eye network.

The news was not as good over at NBC which had another low-rated night. Chuck was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, hitting season lows. Why NBC keeps this show in this slot (or on the air at all) is anyone's guess. The Event was down four tenths in viewers but even in the demo. The total viewers is a series low but the demo remained a 1.7 for the third week in a row. Finally, Chase also benefited from no Castle lead-in as it was up seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo to post its best numbers in awhile, though they are still low. It was actually the best performer in terms of total viewers of NBC's night. Next week is the last week for this lineup as is.

FOX was down in both hours from last week. House was down a rough 1.6 million viewers and six tenths in the demo, hitting season lows in both categories. It clearly was hurt by Dancing more than the CBS comedies were. Lie to Me was down three tenths in total viewers and two tenths in the demo, but showed better retention out of House than last week.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/21/10

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:00 American Music Awards
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3

CBS
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 23.6 million, 18-49 demo: 8.2
7:12 60 Minutes
Viewers: 17.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
8:12 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:12 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 12.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:12 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
7:56 Football Night in America Part 2
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
8:22 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 17.2 million, 18-49 demo: 6.1
8:31 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 23.2 million, 18-49 demo: 8.8

FOX7:00 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
8:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

ABC's regular schedule was preempted except for 7pm where America's Funniest Home Videos was up nearly a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 8pm, ABC aired the annual American Music Awards which were down significantly from last year's numbers - a whopping 2.5 million viewers and 1.2 in the demo. These results reverse a recent upward trend for the AMAs and is disappointing considering that there were many big name performers.

CBS had just a bit of NFL Overrun, but like usual, it had a very positive impact on 60 Minutes, which hit a season high in viewers and tied a season high in the demo. It was up a huge 5.4 million viewers and two full demo points. It is night and day for this show with NFL overrun. The Amazing Race followed and was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo while Undercover Boss was up a very nice 2.3 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo. This is a nice rebound for a show that had been fading. Finally, CSI: Miami was up three tenths in viewers but even in the demo which is somewhat disappointing considering it had a much stronger lead-in.

NBC had a very strong night with football. Football Night in America was up from its usual numbers while the heavily hyped Giants-Eagles matchup lived up to expectations as it had the second best ratings of the season after Vikings-Packers on October 24. It was up a very nice two million viewers and seven tenths in the demo from last week's also hyped Patriots-Steelers matchup. Look for ratings for big NFL games down the stretch to just be through the roof on all channels.

FOX's animated lineup took a hit with no NFL lead-in and against a tough NFL game on NBC. Reruns of The Cleveland Show and The Simpsons were low as expected while a new Simpsons was down a troubling 2.2 million viewers and a full demo point for season lows. The Cleveland Show was down 1.6 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo also for season lows. Things were not as bad for Family Guy which was down half a million viewers but just a tenth in the demo, though it is still a season low. And American Dad! was also down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo hitting, you guessed it, season lows. It's obvious why this is the show being benched to 7:30pm when Bob's Burgers arrives in January.

PILOT REVIEW: Skating with the Stars

SKATING WITH THE STARS

Hosted by Vernon Kay and Tanith Belbin
Judges: Johnny Weir, Dick Button, and Laurie Ann Gibson

After a highly successful fall edition of Dancing with the Stars, ABC is helping to bridge the gap with Skating with the Stars. I will admit that I don't watch Dancing regularly and I only half watched the 1 hour, 47 minute premiere of Skating, but there's no guarantee the massive audience for Dancing will follow Skating for many reasons. First of all, skating is not quite as electric or dynamic when you are watching average skaters. Secondly, this format has already attempted and failed in FOX's 2006 Skating with Celebrities. Thirdly, the celebrities, host, and judges are all not household names. Granted Dancing with the Stars started out this way as well but are audiences going to want to watch Rebecca Budig and Vince Neil skate after watching the well-known Jennifer Grey and buzzworthy Bristol Palin dance?

The upside to this show is that it is visually appealing. The celebrities are actually fairly good and the format is familiar and tested as it closely follows the format of Dancing. The host is likable enough, but not as familiar as Tom Bergeron. The judges are ok but Laurie Ann Gibson is quite annoying. There is no dynamic judge though which won't help. Basically, it's an adequate fill-in for Dancing with the Stars but it will never live up to its quality or success.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/20/10

ABC 
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

NBC
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 

RATINGS RECAP: 11/19/10

ABC 
8:00 Supernanny
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

CBS
8:00 Medium
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 CSI: NY
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 School Pride
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 NBC Special: Harmony
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 House (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 The Good Guys
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

ABC had a quiet night that perked up at 10pm. Supernanny was down over a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week. When will ABC finally pull the plug on this fill-in? Primetime: What Would You Do? perked up a bit but was down over a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. It is still a solid option for this timeslot. Finally, a 20/20 interview with Cher was up over a million viewers and half a demo point to post its best numbers of the season. Hitting a 2 in the demo is particularly impressive for this long running show. 

CBS had a pretty good night, particularly in the total viewer department. The now-cancelled Medium was up four tenths in viewers for a season high and even in the demo. Will it see an uptick in ratings as the veteran drama nears its January 21 series finale? CSI: NY followed and was up two tenths in total viewers but down two tenths in the demo, hitting a season low in that category, which is troubling. Blue Bloods was up eight tenths in viewers and even in the demo from last week. Getting over 11 million viewers is impressive on a Friday, no matter the demo number.

NBC had a typically low-rated night. School Pride was up three tenths in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. It only has one remaining episode before it is put out of its misery though it has not been cancelled officially. Who Do You Think You Are? returns to this timeslot on January 21. Dateline NBC was even in viewers and down two tenths in the demo from last week's 9-11pm edition. The second hour of Dateline was preempted for a special which was DOA with very low numbers. Meanwhile FOX was low as usual with a House repeat that was up a tenth in viewers and the demo and The Good Guys which was up three tenths in viewers but even in the demo. Though not officially cancelled, The Good Guys is not on the midseason schedule as Fridays will see Kitchen Nightmares and Fringe.

ALERT: Delayed Posts

Due to my computer being down, the Fri & Sat ratings are delayed until tomorrow. The Weekend Rewind will appear on Wednesday this week with the top 10 Thanksgiving episodes!

A rundown for tomorrow will still be up later tonight

RATINGS RECAP: 11/18/10

ABC
8:00 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
8:30 $#*! My Dad Says
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 CSI
Viewers: 14.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 14.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0

NBC
8:00 Community
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:30 30 Rock
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
9:30 Outsourced
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 The Apprentice
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Bones 
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

ABC had mostly positive news on Thursday night. The special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was a solid 8pm option with much better ratings than the cancelled My Generation or Grey's Anatomy repeats have been getting. It also had slightly more viewers than It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown which aired in this slot a few weeks back, though it was even in the demo. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was up four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. Private Practice did not follow the trend though as it was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It also fell back to second in the demo.

CBS had steady but generally positive trends with its regular lineup. The Big Bang Theory was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo while new sitcom $#*! My Dad Says was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo (from last week's low). Will CBS put the new sitcom Mad Love here or on Monday nights at midseason? Or will it air at all in the midseason? Veteran CSI was up over a million viewers and three tenths in the demo which is a nice rebound from last week's drop. The Mentalist was also up nearly a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. It remains the 10pm standout among all networks.

NBC had mixed results with its sitcom lineup that will expand to three hours in January. Community was down a tenth in viewers and the demo and remains a weak anchor to the night. 30 Rock followed and was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo. How will it fare when it moves to 10pm? The Office remained the standout and was up a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo while Outsourced was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. It seems like it will be hard for this show to succeed at 10:30pm when it moves there at midseason. Finally, The Apprentice was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, hitting a season low in the demo with a pathetic 1.2. NBC can not finish this quick enough.

Finally FOX saw gains in both of its shows. Bones was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo as it remains an incredibly steady performer for FOX. Fringe followed and continued to show poor retention though it was up a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo. FOX has problems with many of its dramas - Lie to Me, Human Target, and Fringe - it seems like at least one of them will survive. The question is which. 

RATINGS RECAP: 11/17/10

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
8:30 Better With You
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.8
9:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 25 Years of Sexy: People's Sexiest Man Alive
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 14.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
10:00 The Defenders
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

NBC
8:00 Dateline NBC Special
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

FOX
8:00 Human Target
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

ABC's comedy lineup was back after a week off for the CMA Awards and was mostly steady but down slightly from their last airings two weeks ago. The Middle continued its second season strength. It was down just a tenth in viewers and the demo. Given that result, new sitcom Better With You was disappointing as it was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. These numbers may not warrant a second season. Modern Family was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, remaining the standout while Cougar Town was down three tenths in viewers but even in the demo. Its retention remains very troublesome but still getting a 3 in the demo is probably good enough for ABC. Finally, the burning off The Whole Truth was preempted for a People magazine special which did not match the numbers of the Robin Roberts special two weeks ago. 

CBS took a hit last week against the CMAs but rebounded nicely, particularly from 8-10pm. Survivor was up seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo as it gets closer to the end of the Nicaragua edition. Criminal Minds followed and rebounded very nicely as it was up nearly two million viewers and seven tenths in the demo. This show may soar even higher when it does not have to compete with SVU starting in January. Given that rebound, The Defenders was quite disappointing. It rose a million viewers but just a tenth in the demo. CBS is not going to accept demos below a 2 during their Sun-Thurs programming and it seems likely that The Defenders could head to Friday after Medium ends its run. CBS can find a show that has better retention here.

NBC also took a hit last week against the CMAs and rebounded some. They made a last minute preemption of the burning off Undercovers with a Dateline special about Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement. It was not a huge success but well above the numbers Undercovers has been getting. Law & Order: SVU followed and was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. It will likely be stronger when it moves to 10pm and no longer has to compete with Criminal Minds. Law & Order: Los Angeles followed and was up a million viewers and two tenths in the demo, matching its numbers from two weeks ago. It looks like SVU will be NBC's drama demo champ this week with a low 2.1.

FOX had the season premiere of last year's midseason show Human Target. Target launched to pretty soft numbers and with likely drops to come, a third season is highly unlikely. It built on viewers from last week's 8:00 edition of Hell's Kitchen but was not close to beating that show in the demo. A new Hell's Kitchen followed at 9pm and was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo. It remains a solid performer for FOX.

CANCELLATION ALERT: Medium

In our first veteran series cancellation of the season, CBS has axed the long-running Medium which will ends its run on January 21. The long-running drama ran for 5 years on NBC before moving to CBS in Fall 2009. The writing was on the wall for the show after CBS slashed its episode order to 13 a few weeks back. A bubble show for renewal last spring, it has languished in a sleepy Friday 8pm timeslot. Through eight episodes this fall, it has averaged 6.4 million viewers and a low 1.3 in the demo. By the time its run ends, it will have amassed 130 episodes. Its best season came in its first season (midseason 2004-2005 on NBC) when it averaged 13.9 million viewers.

There is no word yet on what will replace Medium but many speculate it will be either The Defenders, which has underwhelmed in its Weds 10pm slot or one of CBS's two new midseason dramas - Chaos or Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, though the latter doesn't seem likely to get an 8pm slot. There are five remaining episodes, it is already slotted for November 19 (tomorrow) and December 3 while the final three will likely come after the new year including the Jan 21 finale.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/16/10

ABC
8:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Dancing with the Stars Results
Viewers: 17.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 15.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 5.0
9:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:30 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7



ABC had some troubling news for its new shows on Tuesday night, particularly from lead-off No Ordinary Family, which was down over a million viewers and half a demo point from last week, easily hitting series lows. This is very troubling news for a show that showed a rebound last week from a negative trend. The show will get a try out at 9pm starting in two weeks for three episodes, is it still salvageable? The results edition of Dancing with the Stars followed and was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo from last week. Next week's finale will obviously be big. Finally Detroit 1-8-7 was up four tenths in viewers but even in the demo. These are also troubling numbers and it may drop further when it loses its Dancing lead-in. Which drama is ABC more likely to stick with as they probably don't want to can all their new fall dramas? Hopefully it will be Detroit!

CBS had mostly steady numbers for its Tuesday lineup of dramas. Veteran NCIS was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo while its spinoff was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Finally, The Good Wife was down six tenths in total viewers and even in the demo. These results remain incredibly steady for CBS even when the competition is up or down.

NBC had its regular low-rated night. The Biggest Loser was up a tenth in viewers and the demo as it nears its fall edition finale. Despite the slightly stronger lead-in, Parenthood was down two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. The demo is a season low for a show that was NBC's best drama demo performer last week (at a low 2.1). How will it fare when it moves to Mondays in March? And how will Law & Order: Los Angeles fare at this slot in February?

FOX had positive news from its lineup. Glee was up seven tenths in total viewers and four tenths in the demo. The demo numbers is the best for the show since the second episode of the season as it finally hit a 5 again with guest star Gwyneth Paltrow. Raising Hope benefited from the gains and was up a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This show clearly has a loyal audience. A rerun of Hope did ok for rerun standards and was up over a million viewers from a new Running Wilde last week. Will Wilde ever come back to the schedule when Hope repeats can do better?

RATINGS RECAP: 11/15/10

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 20.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
9:30 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 10.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 8.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
8:30 Rules of Engagement
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 14.3 million, 18-49 demo: 4.5
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 Chuck 
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 The Event
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Chase
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
9:00 Lie to Me
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

ABC had another successful Monday. In its next-to-last week, Dancing with the Stars was up seven tenths in viewers and even in the demo last week as it continued to dominate. With Dancing only an hour and a half this week, ABC chose to showcase The Middle with a repeat of last season's finale. It actually scored a series high in total viewers despite being rerun a couple times in the summer after last May's original airing. This is a great number for a rerun and may give more exposure to the growing Wednesday hit. Castle followed and was down nearly a million viewers but even in the demo. This is good news for a show that has benefited from solid lead-ins for most of its run. Despite a season low in total viewers, it didn't drop much from last week when it had a much stronger lead-in.

CBS had a mixed bag on Monday night with its usual lineup. How I Met Your Mother was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo from last week but Rules of Engagement was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, tying season lows in both categories. This show just isn't holding its own in CBS's powerful Monday lineup. Two and a Half Men remained the standout as it was up seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Mike & Molly benefited from not competing with Dancing with the Stars and was up over a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. The total viewer numbers is the best since the show's third week and it should continue to benefit now that it won't be competing with Dancing until March. Hawaii Five-0 did not have as much luck though as it was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo, tying a series low. It will be interesting to see how it does in January when it is no longer competing with Monday Night Football and has female-skewing shows on CBS and NBC.

NBC had another low-rated Monday evening. Chuck returned from a week off but was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo, hitting a season low in that category. The Event followed and was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Who would have imagined that The Event would be pulling a lower demo than Chuck by November? Finally, Chase was even in viewers and the demo from last week. No further drops is good but it's still embarrassingly low. NBC will bench The Event for two months and send Chase to Wednesdays at 9 in January to make room for new dramas The Cape and Harry's Law.

Finally FOX saw gains for both its dramas. House was up impressively - over a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for its best numbers in over a month. Lie to Me followed and was up seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The total viewer number ties a season best with the season premiere. This is welcome news for a FOX Monday that has been disappointing all season.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/14/10

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
10:00 Brothers & Sisters
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
7:58 Football Night in America Part 2
Viewers: 12.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
8:22 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 16.6 million, 18-49 demo: 6.0
8:31 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 21.2 million, 18-49 demo: 8.1

FOX
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 26.2 million, 18-49 demo: 9.3
7:52 The OT
Viewers: 16.6 million, 18-49 demo: 5.0
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
8:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

In a Sunday that was busy as usual, ABC had its regular lineup. America's Funniest Home Videos dipped by over half a million viewers but was even in the demo from last week. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition followed and was down nearly a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. ABC needs some new blood in these two hours as these veterans seem to be fading. They will get that for a bit in the spring with Secret Millionaire. A Thanksgiving Desperate Housewives followed and was also down nearly a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. These were its lowest numbers for the season besides Halloween night and it is not the force it once was. Brothers & Sisters followed and was down just a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, showing better retention from Housewives than last week.

CBS's Sunday lineup also seems to be fading a bit but it did actually start on time this week in most parts of the country. Without a solid NFL overrun lead-in, 60 Minutes was down a heavy 2.8 million viewers and 1.6 in the demo. This show is night and day depending on the NFL overrun. The Amazing Race followed and was down seven tenths in viewers and half a demo point. Undercover Boss followed and was down six tenths in viewers and the demo despite starting at 9pm instead of 10pm. These are season lows as the show's power is quickly and clearly wearing off. Finally, CSI: Miami was back after a week off. It was up six tenths in viewers but down three tenths in the demo from the airing on Halloween. The demo is a season low and a troubling number for CBS. They may want to look to Sundays to launch one of their still unscheduled midseason shows.

NBC had another solid night of football as the heavily hyped Patriots-Steelers showdown dominated. It didn't hit the levels of the Packers-Vikings game from three weeks ago but was up from last week's game. It remains NBC's savior this fall. And FOX had a successful night thanks to a long NFL overrun that positively impacted the animated shows that followed. The Simpsons was up nearly a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. The total viewer numbers is a season high. The Cleveland Show followed and was even in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. The bump wore off by Family Guy which was down nearly a million viewers and four tenths in the demo. The demo matches a season low as it was likely impacted by the strong NFL game. And finally American Dad! was down nearly a million viewers and four tenths in the demo, tying season lows. This is clearly the weak link of the pack and with more animated comedies in development plus midseason's Bob's Burgers, it could be in trouble.