RATINGS RECAP: 12/28/10

ABC
8:00 Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 No Ordinary Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7 (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Kennedy Center Honors
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
8:00 Tuesday Night Football
Viewers: 23.7 million, 18-49 demo: 8.1

FOX
8:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

RATINGS RECAP: 12/27/10

ABC
8:00 Movie: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:30 Rules of Engagement (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

NBC
8:00 Chuck (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Chuck (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Chuck (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

FOX
8:00 House (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Lie to Me (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/26/10

ABC
7:00 Movie: The Sound of Music
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:00 Undercover Boss (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:00 Football Night in America Part 2
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Minute to Win It (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Minute to Win It (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 24.3 million, 18-49 demo: 7.8
7:30 The OT
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
8:30 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:30 Running Wilde
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/25/10

ABC
8:00 Movie: Transformers
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

CBS
8:00 Movie: Jesse Stone - No Remorse
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 48 Hours Mystery (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 Community (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
8:30 30 Rock (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
9:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 TV's Funniest Holiday Moments
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

RATINGS RECAP: 12/24/10

ABC
8:00 Disney Prep & Landing
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Movie: The Santa Clause 2
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 CSI: NY (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

NBC
8:00 Movie: It's a Wonderful Life
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 Movie: Are We Done Yet?
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

RATINGS RECAP: 12/23/10

It's a very slow time period for TV, so there won't be much commentary. But new shows and returning shows are coming in full force in January so it will pick up again soon!

ABC
8:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 $#*! My Dad Says (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Community (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 30 Rock (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:30 Outsourced (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

FOX
8:00 Million Dollar Money Drop
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/22/10

ABC
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Better With You (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:30 CMA Country Christmas
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Home for the Holidays
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 The Defenders (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 Undercovers
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

FOX
8:00 Human Target
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Million Dollar Money Drop
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

There wasn't much to report on the Wednesday of Christmas week. ABC was all repeats but their comedies seem to be repeating better than last year, especially The Middle, which had the best total viewer numbers for ABC. CBS aired a low rated holiday special and saw fair numbers for its dramas. NBC brought Undercovers back to burn off and it hit series lows. FOX was the only network that was all new. Human Target was even in viewers from last week but down two tenths in the demo to tie a season low. New game show Million Dollar Money Drop was down a bit from Tuesday's episode. 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/21/10

ABC
8:00 Skating with the Stars
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 No Ordinary Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7 (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 The Good Wife (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 SNL Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

FOX
8:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Million Dollar Money Drop
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

ABC had a quiet Tuesday evening. The season (and likely series) finale of Skating with the Stars was an embarrassingly low 3.4 million and 0.8 demo. It's unlikely this show will ever be a filler again. Repeats of No Ordinary Family and Detroit 1-8-7 were very low but Detroit built on Family in both viewers and the demo. CBS had a very solid night of repeats, particularly from the NCIS franchise which can dominate even in repeats. The Good Wife doesn't repeat nearly as well.

NBC did ok with its combination of Minute to Win It, which was down seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week and an SNL Christmas special. The special did fairly well, particularly in the demo, for being from last year and available on DVD. NBC has had a fairly good December after a rough fall. FOX aired night two of Million Dollar Money Drop which was up in viewers from Monday's premiere and even in the demo from the 9pm edition Monday night. This is solid news for a game show that FOX hopes will be an adequate filler.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/20/10

ABC
8:00 Skating with the Stars
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 Rules of Engagement (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

NBC
8:00 The Sing Off
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Perfect Couples
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:30 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 Million Dollar Money Drop
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Million Dollar Money Drop
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

ABC had another very low-rated Monday. The final Monday installment of the flop Skating with the Stars was down four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo to hit embarrassing series lows. There were some football preemptions but that wouldn't have helped this show much at all. Castle was counted as a two hour episode though it was originally a separate two-parter. It was low as usual. CBS aired repeats of its comedies which always repeat well. It was highlighted by Two and a Half Men's 9.2 million and 2.4 demo which is far above the numbers any other sitcom can repeat with. CBS announced that the sitcom Mad Love will bump Rules of Engagement to Thursday by premiering at 8:30pm on February 21.

NBC aired the season finale of The Sing Off which was down nearly a million viewers and six tenths in the demo from last Monday's edition. It's surprising that it dropped for the finale but that doesn't take away from the fact that it gave NBC a much-needed boost during its limited December run. Don't be surprised to see it pop up again in the summer or even spring. They used the success of The Sing Off to sneak peek midseason sitcom Perfect Couples but it had terrible results with a very low 3.6 million viewers and 1.3 demo. The show will premiere at 8:30pm on January 20 but this doesn't bode well for it.

Finally FOX premiered the game show Million Dollar Money Drop to mediocre ratings. If it can maintain these ratings this week, it can be a serviceable filler for FOX but if it drops, it will be in trouble. The 9pm episode was basically even with the numbers the much more expensive Lie to Me pulls in the slot. Million Dollar Money Drop continues all this week and then airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in January.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/19/10

ABC
7:00 Movie: The Santa Clause 2
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Movie: The Santa Clause 3 - The Escape Clause
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

CBS
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 25.7 million, 18-49 demo: 8.7
7:19 60 Minutes
Viewers: 18.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
8:19 Survivor (21st Edition Finale)
Viewers: 13.6 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
10:28 Survivor: Nicaragua Live Reunion
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
7:57 Football Night in America Part 2
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
8:22 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 17.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.7
8:31 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 24.2 million, 18-49 demo: 8.6

FOX
7:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
 

ABC aired two Christmas movies on Sunday night to mild results, the more recent The Santa Clause 3 doing slightly better than its predecessor. CBS had a powerful-as-usual NFL overrun which led into a strong 60 Minutes which was up 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo for season highs in both categories. How will this veteran show fare when the NFL influence ends? CBS had its Survivor: Nicaragua finale on Sunday. Though it was the lowest rated finale of the veteran series, it was above the show's usual numbers for the season which is good. It remains a formidable reality franchise for CBS. The live reunion special also pulled solid numbers especially for starting late. It will return in the spring with Survivor: Redemption Island.

NBC had another strong night of football with better than usual numbers for Football Night in America. The game between the Packers and Patriots was down 1.5 million viewers and nearly a full demo point from last week's Cowboys-Eagles matchup but was still a very strong result. FOX had animation repeats which were low but highlighted by Family Guy's 2.3 demo.

PILOT REVIEW: Million Dollar Money Drop

Please note that I will not do a pilot review for Perfect Couples yet as it is not the pilot airing tonight. I will watch it but do the review when the show officially premieres on January 20.

MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP

Hosted by Kevin Pollack

FOX is bridging its fall season and its American Idol-fueled midseason with the game show Million Dollar Money Drop, based on a British show. In the game-show world, it's probably most similar to Deal or No Deal but it's a far more interesting show. It is more tense without the drama being blown out of proportion though it does take a long time to reveal answers as all game shows in this era do. Also the contestants (both couples in the pilot) were less annoying and easy to root for. Host Kevin Pollack does a nice job of being entertaining but sympathetic.

This might become a nice filler for FOX's schedule. It is enjoyable and fun to play along at home. The questions are challenging but not impossible. They are the kind of questions you can talk through but not usually be sure about, which is good for home play and for building suspense. The option to hedge your money (and lose some of it) or go all in gives the contestants a tough decision. It's basically just an enjoyable game show that is nice for a winter (and possibly summer?) fill-in for FOX, though it would be nice to see someone win something soon!

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 40 Christmas Episodes, #10-#1

It's finally time for my Top 10 Christmas episodes! For #40-#26, Click Here. For #25-#11, Click here. Also, posting may be a bit sporadic this week and next as I am busy with Christmas and New Years things, most shows are in reruns, and ratings results get delayed. But check in from time to time for updates!

According to Jim "The Christmas Party"

10. According to Jim #32 "The Christmas Party" (first aired December 10, 2002)
Jim is in a war with a neighbor who throws a lavish Christmas party each year and finds himself happily uninvited. But when he finds himself lonely on Christmas Eve, he dressed up as Santa Claus and goes to the party. Things go fine until his beard is flushed down the toilet and the bathroom floods. It's a funny episode filled with slapstick comedy. Plus, there's a great moment at the beginning of the episode with "faulty" Christmas lights.

9. American Dreams #10 "Silent Night" (first aired December 15, 2002)
In the first Christmas episode of this underrated 1960s-set drama, Meg has to kiss Jimmy Reilly on American Bandstand but she really wants to kiss her beau Luke while Roxanne fights with her mother and JJ stresses even after being accepted to Notre Dame. But all these tensions are relaxed when a snowball fight ensues in the driveway on the way to Midnight Mass. It's a great episode from a great series.

8. The Bob Newhart Show #39 "I'm Dreaming of a Slight Christmas" (first aired December 22, 1973)
Bob and Emily plan to have a quiet Christmas Eve alone together but a blizzard hits and Bob is trapped at the office. As the snow falls and falls, Emily is lonely at home while Bob makes a long trek back to her, but he's too cold and tired to celebrate. They fall asleep on the couch with the lit tree in the background in the best Christmas episode of the many from this show.

The Office "A Benihana Christmas"

7. The Office #38/39 "A Benihana Christmas" (first aired December 14, 2006)
First aired as a one-hour episode, Michael is depressed when girlfriend Carol breaks up with him before the Christmas party. After trying to cancel Christmas, he goes to Benihana with Andy, Jim, and Dwight and brings back Asian girls but can't tell which one is his. It's an absolutely hilarious episode that features many great lines and some very funny turns on the karaoke machine.

6. Bewitched #15 "A Vision of Sugar Plums" (first aired December 24, 1964)
In the first Christmas episode of this classic show, Sam and Darrin bring home an orphan for Christmas who doesn't believe in Santa. But that's no problem for Samantha who takes the boy and Darrin to the North Pole to recapture the magic. It's a memorable episode that can make a going-to-the-North Pole plot believable given the show's premise. Gladys Kravitz is particularly funny in this episode as well.

5. The Wonder Years #9 "Christmas" (first aired December 14, 1988)
In a classic early episode from this show, Kevin stresses about getting the perfect gift for Winnie Cooper and the kids try to persuade Dad to buy a color TV for Christmas. From Wayne's incessant badgering about the TV to the family tension finally being broken by a rainstorm during neighborhood caroling, it's a sweet look at what Christmas is like after the childlike innocence is gone.

4. The Dick Van Dyke Show #76 "The Alan Brady Show Presents" (first aired December 18, 1963)
In an episode unlike any other episode of this classic show, the gang puts on a Christmas show for Alan Brady. Even with Richie's "Little Drummer Boy," there are many memorable musical performances. The best of all is the first one with a tribute in song to Alan Brady that is destroyed one by one by Buddy, Sally, Laura, and Mel. It's a great episode and a throwback to the old fashioned Christmas TV specials.

The West Wing "In Excelsis Deo"

3. The West Wing #10 "In Excelsis Deo" (first aired December 15, 1999)
This powerful episode from a powerful drama shows Christmas time in the White House. There are many great moments including the President interacting with visiting children and sneaking out to buy books. But the episode is a classic thanks to the storyline involving Toby and a deceased homeless Korean War veteran who is given a proper funeral. The moving finale to this episode is beautifully directed.

2. Happy Days #27 "Guess Who's Coming to Christmas" (first aired December 17, 1974)
In the sweetest episode from the early years of this show, Fonzie is too proud to tell the Cunninghams that he has nowhere to go for Christmas but Richie insists that he join them. Fonzie makes things interesting and it doesn't quite fit Howard's vision of a perfect family Christmas, but his genuine gratefulness and happiness in being with a loving family at Christmas makes this a great episode.

Mary Tyler Moore
"Christmas and the Hard Luck Kid"

1. The Mary Tyler Moore Show #14 "Christmas and the Hard Luck Kid" (first aired December 19, 1970)
But the best Christmas episode of all is from this classic show's first season. Mary is depressed because she can't go home for Christmas and then to make things work, she switches shifts with a man so he can spend Christmas Eve with her family. As she is all alone at the office, her fears get the best of her but its really Lou, Murray, and Ted coming to make sure she's not alone at Christmas. This episode is filled with memorable moments including Phyllis' Christmas gifts, Rhoda's huge gift for Mary, and Mr. Grant trying to decide how much money to give Mary as a Christmas gift. It has it all. The picture is the best I could find!

RATINGS RECAP: 12/18/10

ABC 
8:00 I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Movie: Madagascar
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 48 Hours Mystery (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 WWE Salute to the Troops
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/17/10

ABC 
8:00 Supernanny
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Frosty the Snowman
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Frosty Returns
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:30 I Get That A Lot
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It (Repeat) 
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 MOVIE: Are We There Yet?
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

It was a very quiet Friday night across the board. ABC had an all-new but very low rated Friday. Supernanny was down eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo to hit season lows. Primetime: What Would You Do? was down six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo which was also a season low. And finally 20/20 was down a rough 1.8 million viewers and half a demo point, also hitting season lows. This far into December seems to be rough for originals, particularly on Friday night. CBS had a night of holiday specials and a rerun of Blue Bloods. The night was highlighted by Frosty the Snowman's fair 5.7 million viewers and 1.7 demo.

NBC aired a rerun of Minute to Win It followed by a two hour Dateline which was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. The viewer total was a high for the night, which is fair news. It seems Dateline is doing better without School Pride as a lead-in anymore. FOX aired a low-rated movie to round out the big four networks.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/16/10

ABC
8:00 A Charlie Brown Christmas
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Private Practice (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
8:30 $#*! My Dad Says
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

NBC
8:00 Community (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 30 Rock (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:30 Outsourced (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:30 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

Thursday night was repeats almost fully across the board. The only shows airing new episodes were CBS's The Big Bang Theory and $#*! My Dad Says which were easily tops of the night. Big Bang was up 1.2 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. The demo could have been higher but the viewer total is a nice rebound from last week's season low. $#*! My Dad Says was up nearly a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. It still loses a lot of Bang's audience, maybe this is where Mad Love will get a short run? Repeats on CBS also easily bested the other networks in total viewers but nothing besides the new episodes managed a 2 or above in the demo.

CANCELLATION ALERT: The Good Guys

In an unsurprising move, FOX has axed The Good Guys which wrapped up its first season finale. The Good Guys followed an unconventional course as it was put on the fall schedule before it even premiered this past summer. It had very low ratings during a Monday night summer run and then things got worse when it aired on Fridays this fall. Still, FOX let it air all 20 episodes of its first season. It was not scheduled for the remainder of the season though some predicted it might get a summer run, but that will not happen.

In its airings during the official fall season, it averaged a very low 2.5 million viewers and a 0.7 in the demo in eleven airings so there is no surprise that it won't be back. FOX will probably still cut more series as it has the heavily hyped Terra Nova and X-Factor arriving next fall.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/15/10

ABC
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Better With You (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:30 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Cougar Town (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:30 Cougar Town (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 13.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
10:00 The Defenders
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

NBC
8:00 The Sing Off
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

FOX
8:00 Human Target
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

ABC had a quiet night of sitcoms repeats which were highlighted by Modern Family's 2.1 demo at 9:30pm which is solid for a show that hasn't repeated that well to date despite its huge first-run numbers. CBS was all-new. Survivor was up two tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo which is disappointing considering there was less competition and it was the next to last episode of the season. The Nicaragua finale airs Sunday night. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo which is also disappointing considering the competition. Finally, The Defenders was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. The retention was better this week for The Defenders but overall it was a down night for CBS. 

NBC continued its great run of The Sing Off as it was up nearly a million viewers and two tenths in the demo point from last Wednesday's airing. NBC announced that it will expand The Sing Off to 10:30pm for Monday's finale and air a sneak preview of midseason sitcom Perfect Couples at 10:30. This has been a nice December success for a network that needs some good news. A repeat of Law & Order: SVU continued to show signs that its 10pm move was a successful one. We'll see when new episodes resume.

FOX aired a new Human Target at 8pm which was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It was followed by the season finale of Hell's Kitchen which was up six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. It was a successful and cheap option for FOX on Wednesday nights this fall. They have not announced when the ninth edition will air but the summer seems likely unless something flops at midseason and they rush it to air.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/14/10

ABC
8:00 I Want a Dog for Christmas Charlie Brown
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 No Ordinary Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7 (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 16.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 11.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0

FOX
8:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

ABC's December doldrums continued Wednesday night with a low-rated Charlie Brown special followed by repeats of No Ordinary Family and Detroit 1-8-7, which can be added to the list of shows that don't repeat well. CBS had a strong night with new episodes for the first time in three weeks. NCIS was up 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo from three weeks ago and remains a powerhouse. NCIS: Los Angeles was up a nice 1.8 million viewers and also a tenth in the demo. The viewer total is a season high. Finally, The Good Wife was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo which is ok. Maybe the increased competition on NBC contributed to less of a jump?

NBC had a strong night. Minute to Win It was up seven tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere despite being against a new NCIS this week. The season finale of The Biggest Loser brought some welcome news to the franchise which experienced a rough fall. It was up a strong 2.9 million viewers and almost a full demo point for easy season highs. Loser has shown significant growth in the last couple weeks - was it because of less competition, increased attention leading into the finale, or the move to 9pm? Maybe it's a combination of all three - it returns in the spring back at 8pm with a Couples edition. FOX aired two repeats of Glee which were serviceable. Staying above a 2 in the demo for a repeat is good news for this show.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/13/10

ABC
8:00 Skating with the Stars
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
8:30 Rules of Engagement
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 14.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 The Sing Off
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
10:00 Chase (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 House (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Lie to Me (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

ABC was barely on the map on Monday night. A new Skating with the Stars was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo as it hit yet another series low in total viewers. This show can't end soon enough for ABC. Mariah Carey's Christmas special followed and was low-rated but did improve on Skating while a Castle repeat did ok. CBS was up across the board. How I Met Your Mother was up four tenths in viewer (hitting a season high) and even in the demo while Rules of Engagement was up eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, also hitting a season high in total viewers. This show's retention of Mother has gotten much better as the season has progressed. At 9pm, Two and a Half Men was up six tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Mike & Molly was up a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. Finally at 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 continued the trend as it was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

NBC had more great news from The Sing Off as the December show was up nearly a million viewers and half a demo point from last week's season premiere. Will NBC consider making this a weekly series? It has clearly been a big improvement in both the Monday and Wednesday timeslot. A repeat of Chase followed and was low but actually not too far below last week's original, which may be a glimmer of promise. FOX had repeats of its Monday dramas which were low, particularly Lie to Me at 9pm.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/12/10

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos 
Viewers: 8.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
10:00 Brothers & Sisters
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

CBS
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 30.2 million, 18-49 demo: 10.4
7:26 60 Minutes
Viewers: 17.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
8:26 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
9:26 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:26 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 9.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
7:54 Football Night in America Part 2
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
8:21 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 17.7 million, 18-49 demo: 6.1
8:31 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 25.7 million, 18-49 demo: 9.5

FOX
7:00 Running Wilde (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
8:30 Family Guy
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1

ABC had a solid Sunday night. America's Funniest Home Videos kicked things off and was up a nice 1.3 million viewers and three tenths in the demo, hitting season highs in both categories. This show could benefit more when football is over. At 8pm, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo, but it failed to build on Videos in viewers for the first time. Desperate Housewives followed and was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo as this seems to be its normal numbers for this season. Finally, Brothers & Sisters rebounded a bit from last week's lows as it was up 1.2 million viewers and four tenths in the demo, which is probably a relief to ABC.

CBS had a very powerful NFL overrun which helped the early part of the night as usual. 60 Minutes was up a huge 5.5 million viewers and two full demo points as it continues to be night and day for this show depending on football. The demo is a season high. The fall edition finale of The Amazing Race was up a strong 1.8 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. The viewer total is a season high and the show will return with an all-star edition on February 20. Undercover Boss was up six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo while CSI: Miami was down eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, though it did start almost half and hour later.

NBC had a huge night with a close Eagles-Cowboys game. Despite the Cowboys being out of the playoff race, the game was up a strong 3.5 million viewers and 1.2 demo points. It also ties Vikings-Packers for the most watched Sunday night game in a lucrative fall NFL season. Football Night in America was also up from normal levels.

FOX had its animated lineup including a one hour episode of Family Guy. At 8pm, The Simpsons did not have an NFL lead-in and was down a sharp 2.3 million viewers and a full demo point. Just like 60 Minutes, this veteran show fluctuates dramatically depending on if it has an NFL lead-in. At 8:30, a one hour Christmas episode of Family Guy was up a nice 1.4 million viewers and six tenths in the demo from its last new airing three weeks ago. These are great numbers against some tough competition. Finally, American Dad! was up almost a million viewers and six tenths in the demo from last week, hitting a season high in the demo. Perhaps the better lead-in made a difference? 

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 40 Christmas Episodes, #25-#11

It's time for the second of three editions counting down my Top 40 Christmas episodes. To see #40-#26, Click Here. And check back next week for the Top 10! Enjoy!

25. The Middle #10 "Christmas" (first aired December 9, 2009)
In the first Christmas episode of this new hit show, Mike takes over Christmas "duties" while Frankie prepares for a Christmas Eve church solo. As is often the case for this great new classic, things are hectic and crazy in the Heck household (as Mike and the kids fall asleep and almost miss Frankie's solo) before a sweet finish at the church.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip "The Christmas Show"

24. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip #11 "The Christmas Show" (first aired December 4, 2006)
This underrated drama that only ran a year had many strong episodes, particularly in the first part of the season. That includes this Christmas episode which touches on some major relationships developing on the show and ends with a powerful performance by New Orleans musicians who were still reeling from Hurricane Katrina when this show aired.

23. Friends #33 "The One With Phoebe's Dad" (first aired December 14, 1995)
In the first Christmas-themed episode of Friends, Phoebe discovers that her Dad is alive and well but can't bring herself to meet him. It is full of funny moments including Joey and Chandler's gas station gifts and the sweltering Christmas party at Rachel and Monica's because they can't turn the heat off.

22. The Bob Newhart Show #14 "His Busiest Season" (first aired December 23, 1972)
The Bob Newhart Show had a Christmas episode every year it was on and this first one is a classic. Christmas is the toughest time of year for a psychologist's patients so Bob invites them over on Christmas Eve but the party is a downer until they all admit what a terrible time they're having. There's also many other funny moments including Bob trying to figure out Howard's shoe size and Carol drunk on eggnog at the office.

Everybody Loves Raymond "The Christmas Picture"

21. Everybody Loves Raymond #84 "The Christmas Picture" (first aired December 13, 1999)
Ray plans a family picture as a gift to his mom for Christmas but everything that could possibly go wrong does go wrong including Debra's parents showing up to be in the picture. The highlight of this episode is Ray's conversation with a disgruntled Marie before he wheels her over to take the picture.

20. Newsradio #17 "Christmas Story" (first aired December 19, 1995)
In the first Christmas episode of this underrated sitcom, Mr. James buys cars for the whole staff after his first gift (recycled hats with names on them) falls flat. But he only gives Matthew tapes of a classic radio show, which leads to some funny moments. There's also a funny side story as Bill thinks the lobby Santa Claus wants to kill him. 

19. Laverne & Shirley #76 "All Come Ye Bums" (first aired December 19, 1978)
Laverne and Shirley host a dinner for the bums of Milwaukee in the second and final Christmas episode from this show. It is a sweet episode that doesn't become sappy and includes a very funny scene as they fight for their fundraising turf on the street corner. 
18. The Wonder Years #55 "A Very Cutlip Christmas" (first aired December 12, 1990)
In a very funny yet poignant episode, Kevin discovers that Coach Cutlip is playing Santa at the mall and nearly spills the secret to his friends. When Kevin realizes that Cutlip has a soul, it's almost too late but the friends only recognize him as Santa and a throwback to their childhood, not their awkward gym teacher. A great episode with a standout performance by Robert Picardo as Cutlip.

17. The Andy Griffith Show #11 "Christmas Story" (first aired December 19, 1960)
When town grinch Ben Weaver demands that a bootlegger stays in jail on Christmas, Andy brings Christmas and his family to him. It becomes apparent during the episode that Ben is actually lonely as he makes attempts to join the party by breaking a law. It's a typically sweet but not sappy story from this classic series.

16. Taxi #10 "A Full House for Christmas" (first aired December 12, 1978)
Louie's gambling brother comes to town and gets involved in a poker game before he even goes to see their mother. A high stakes poker contest ensues with Louie funding Alex against his brother. As the stakes go higher, the episode becomes funnier and there is a great performance by Danny DeVito in this episode.

Father Knows Best "The Christmas Story"

15. Father Knows Best #12 "The Christmas Story" (first aired December 19, 1954)
Christmas episodes were somewhat rare for early 1950s sitcoms but this show had one and a classic one at that. Jim wants an old-fashioned Christmas so he takes his reluctant family up to a cabin in the mountains where they are met by a Santa Claus figure. It's very 1950s but it's done extremely well and very heartwarming.

14. The Office #16 "Christmas Party" (first aired December 6, 2005)
In a cringe-worthy first Christmas episode, Michael turns a game of Secret Santa into Yankee Swap when he doesn't like Phyllis' homemade oven mitt. This is an episode without much redeeming qualities for Michael ("Happy Birthday Jesus, sorry your party's so lame") but it is hilarious and has a great early interaction between Jim and Pam as he gives her a teapot with many inside jokes inside.

13. 8 Simple Rules #12 "All I Want for Christmas" (first aired December 10, 2002)
In a sweet episode, Paul has big plans for a family Christmas but Bridget wants her boyfriend to spend it with them, Kerry is depressed that a stray dog can't find a home, and Rory wants a motorcycle. In the only Christmas episode with John Ritter, it's a great one that features some great moments between Paul and his daughters.

The Lucy Show "Together for Christmas"

12. The Lucy Show #12 "Together for Christmas" (first aired December 24, 1962)
In a great Christmas episode from the black and white era of the show, Lucy and Viv plan to spend Christmas together with their families. However, they have very opposite traditions and get into a big fight before carolers help them appreciate each other. A great showcase for the brilliant tandem of Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance.

11. Hazel #12 "Hazel's Christmas Shopping" (first aired December 21, 1961)
Hazel takes a job at the department store to make enough money for Christmas presents but she bothers all the customers until she catches a shoplifter. It's a great episode and a look at a bygone era of Christmas busyness.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/11/10

ABC 
8:00 Movie: The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Frosty the Snowman
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Frosty Returns
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 The Flight Before Christmas
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 Movie: It's a Wonderful Life
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/10/10

ABC 
8:00 Supernanny
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 CSI: NY (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 

FOX
8:00 The Good Guys (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 The Good Guys
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 

ABC had a quiet Friday evening. Supernanny was low as usual though it was up nearly half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was up two tenths in viewers and the demo from last week. This show's numbers have been disappointing lately compared to last season. Finally at 10pm, 20/20 was down a million viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week. CBS was in repeats with decent total viewer numbers but low demos, the highlight being CSI NY's very solid viewer total.

NBC started things with a repeat of Minute to Win It which was low but well above the numbers School Pride was getting in this slot. At 9pm, a two hour Dateline was up a stellar 2.9 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo from last week's 10-11pm edition. As with ABC's 20/20, these newsmagazines seem to fluctuate based on the stories, competition, etc. FOX aired the season (and likely series) finale of The Good Guys which was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Even a summer return seems unlikely for this low-rated show.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/9/10

ABC
8:00 Shrek the Halls
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Disney's Prep & Landing
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Barbara Walters Special: Interview with Oprah
Viewers: 13.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 Barbara Walters Special: 10 Most Fascinating People of 2010
Viewers: 12.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
8:30 $#*! My Dad Says
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 CSI
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 13.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

NBC
8:00 Community
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:30 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
10:00 The Apprentice
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 Bones
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

ABC had a successful evening thanks to two highly rated Barbara Walters specials. 8pm holiday specials were serviceable while the 9pm Oprah interview had a great total viewer number and the annual Most Fascinating people Special had a stellar demo for the 10pm hour. Ms. Walters continues to deliver for ABC. CBS had a new Thursday lineup for the first time in three weeks. The Big Bang Theory was down a million viewers and four tenths in the demo for season lows. This is disappointing for a show that was a sure thing for a 4 in the demo all season. $#*! My Dad Says followed and was down seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. These are series lows but retention out of Big Bang was slightly better. CSI followed and was down a million viewers but just a tenth in the demo while The Mentalist was down a troubling 1.3 million viewers and six tenths in the demo, easily hitting season lows. This may have been partly due to the Barbara Walters special but it should still be concerning for CBS.

NBC did not have a very merry night of Christmas episodes. The heavily promoted lineup was down slightly as Christmas does not seem to have the same bump Halloween did for sitcoms. Community was down three tenths in total viewers and even in the demo while 30 Rock slipped two tenths in viewers and the demo. The total viewer number is a season low and the demo ties a season low. This is concerning for a show that must anchor the bold 10pm hour next month. A one-hour The Office was down just a tenth in viewers and even in the demo which is good by comparison but its surprising it didn't go up considering it was an hour and featured the return of Amy Ryan. Finally the season finale of the low-rated The Apprentice was even in viewers but up two tenths in the demo for a season high. It is highly unlikely there will ever be a regular edition of The Apprentice again while Celebrity Apprentice will return in March.

FOX did not have a very good night either. Bones was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for another season low. This usually reliable performer has slipped in the last two weeks for no obvious reason. Fringe followed and was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, with the total viewer number being a season low. This show doesn't seem like it will do very well on Fridays at midseason. 

RATINGS RECAP: 12/8/10

ABC
8:00 The Middle 
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Better With You
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
9:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:30 Cougar Town (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 14.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
10:00 The Defenders
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

NBC
8:00 The Sing Off
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

FOX
8:00 Human Target
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

ABC had a new lineup of its sitcoms and followed that with repeats of two of them in place of the now fully gone The Whole Truth. At 8pm, A Christmas The Middle was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from the last new airing two weeks ago. This has turned into an extremely solid lead-off for ABC. Better With You followed and was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. At 9pm, Modern Family was up half a million viewers and half a demo point from two weeks ago. It's a nice gain but that was from Thanksgiving. Overall, it seems low. Cougar Town followed and was down two tenths in viewers but up two tenths in the demo. To be down in total viewers from a Thanksgiving eve airing is a big red flag. Low-rated repeats at 10pm of Family and Cougar were an improvement over Truth.

CBS was fully new for the first time in three weeks. Survivor was down two tenths in viewers but even in the demo from last week though it had tougher competition this week. Criminal Minds was down two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from the last new episode three weeks ago as it remains a powerhouse. The Defenders was up 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo from three weeks ago. The total viewer number boost is good but its still losing a lot of Minds' audience.

NBC had good results for The Sing Off which held up well on night number two. It was off a million viewers but only a tenth in the demo from its Monday season premiere. Will NBC consider making this a weekly series? At 10pm, a repeat of Law & Order: SVU was well above repeat numbers it was getting at 9pm which bodes well for its chances with new episodes in this timeslot. 

FOX had low numbers. Human Target was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo from a week ago. These numbers don't make its renewal chances very likely. At 9pm, Hell's Kitchen was down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo with renewed competition on ABC and CBS. It seemed to be doing better when it aired two episodes in a row.

RATINGS RECAP: 12/7/10

ABC
8:00 A Charlie Brown Christmas
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 11.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 The Good Wife (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1

FOX
8:00 Glee 
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
9:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:30 Running Wilde
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

ABC had a mild Tuesday night. The classic A Charlie Brown Christmas was solid but well below last year's levels. A new episode of No Ordinary Family followed and was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. The new drama has been an underperformer at 8pm and 9pm. Will it get a renewal? At 10pm, Detroit 1-8-7 was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo, hitting series lows in both categories against limited competition. The demo will be the death of this show as 1.4 is getting really low.


CBS was in repeats but still a factor as the NCIS shows are very strong repeaters. NCIS: Los Angeles tied a new episode of No Ordinary Family in the demo in the 9pm hour while easily outscoring it in total viewers. NBC brought back Minute to Win It to mild results but it remains a serviceable and cheap option while The Biggest Loser was down a tenth in viewers but up two tenths in the demo for a season high. 9-11pm instead of 8-10pm has been good for this show and it might not be as tired as it seemed early in the season. Can NBC find a way to permanently move it to this slot?

FOX had a mixed bag. A Christmas episode of Glee was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo which is somewhat disappointing as it seemed likely that Christmas would give this show a bump. It is not new again until the Super Bowl airing. At 9pm, Raising Hope was up two tenths in the demo and a tenth in the demo, posting its best numbers since the second episode and showing much better retention of Glee. This show is turning into a solid success story for FOX. Running Wilde was up seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, also posting its best numbers since the second episode but that may not matter much in this case.  

RATINGS RECAP: 12/6/10

ABC
8:00 Skating with the Stars
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:30 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
8:30 Rules of Engagement
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 13.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 11.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 The Sing Off
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:00 Chase
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 American Country Awards
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

ABC had a troubling Monday. The flop Skating with the Stars continued to fall apart dropping a very troubling 2.2 million viewers and four tenths for series lows. Needless to say, this will certainly never be a filler again as the audience has completely rejected it. A Modern Family repeat was low at 9:30 while Castle was affected very negatively by the lead-ins and was down 2.4 million viewers and six tenths in the demo easily hitting season lows. For a show that seemed to be beyond being lead-in dependent, this is an alarming showing though ABC was preempted for the Jets-Patriots game in major markets.

CBS was back to new episodes on Mondays with mixed results. How I Met Your Mother was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from two weeks ago hitting a season high in total viewers. This show seems as strong as ever and has become a good lead-off for the night. Rules of Engagement was up eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, also hitting a season high in total viewers. Its retention was as strong as its been all season and it may squeak out another renewal at this rate. Two and a Half Men on the other hand was down a million viewers and three tenths in the demo from two weeks ago while Mike & Molly was down a troubling 1.9 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. This could have been due partly to a big NFL game on ESPN. Finally at 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down a rough 1.8 million viewers and half a demo point. This could also be due to NFL.

NBC had a positive start to the night as the new edition of The Sing Off premiered to strong numbers. A 2.8 in the demo is far better than NBC has seen all season at 8pm. It was well-promoted but the question is how will it hold up for the rest of its run? If it's anywhere close to this, NBC should think about using it as a regular series. Chase followed at 10pm and was down a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week. It's sure to get killed when it moves to Wednesday at 9pm. FOX had a mediocre showing from the little-promoted American Country Awards.