WEEKEND REWIND: The Mary Tyler Moore Show

THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW
September 19, 1970 - March 19, 1977
168 episodes
Starring: Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Betty White, Georgia Engel, Cloris Leachman

The Mary Tyler Moore Show is a classic sitcom by almost anyone's standards but I would go one step further and say it was more consistently excellent than any other show in television history. Most shows, even the best of them, have dud episodes or dud seasons but not The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Each episode was the highest of quality thanks to incredibly talented writers, directors, and actors. It was a sophisticated show in the 1970s that holds up well in the 2010s with some of the most developed and wonderful characters in sitcom history.

Of course at the center of the show is Mary Tyler Moore as the ever-perky, single, working girl Mary Richards. She broke sitcom barriers by being a career woman in her 30s without a husband or children or even a steady boyfriend. But unlike Norman Lear's shows, it was never controversial. Mary and the show didn't push the envelope, they just evolved as the nation was evolving. A brilliant cast member of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary shined in the center of her own show with great comedic timing and special relationships with each of her fellow characters. She was exactly what a star of a great ensemble should be - the glue that holds the group together but one that can step back and let other talents shine. And what great talents they were.

As Mary's gruff but lovable boss at the 6:00 News on WJM, Lou Grant, Ed Asner was a great foil and friend to Moore throughout the show's run. Some of the best scenes in the series took place between Mary and Lou in Lou's office. Asner took a character that could have been somewhat of a caricature as a gruff boss and turned him into a very dynamic character with some serious vulnerability. Mary's best friend in the office was Head Writer Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod) who always was ready with a quick joke or a supportive comment. He was the unheralded member of the newsroom and of the talented cast but his presence was essential throughout the show's run. And then there was the egocentric and dimwitted anchorman Ted Baxter (Ted Knight). Just like Asner, Knight took a character that could have been one dimensional and made him a memorable and beloved supporting character. Knight could play dumb with the best of them but his Ted Baxter was a layered performance that few actors could pull off with such ease.

Another sign of a great show is the ability to replace popular cast members with new popular cast members and The Mary Tyler Moore Show excelled at that as well. In the early years, one of the main parts of the show was Mary's home life with her neighbors Rhoda and Phyllis. As New Yorker Rhoda Morgenstern, Valerie Harper was one of the best sidekicks of all time. Brassy and self-deprecating, she was an opposite of Mary in many ways but they clicked as best friends and they truly did seem like best friends. Rhoda was responsible for most of the funniest lines in the early years. Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman) was the landlord of the building Mary and Rhoda lived in and was a friend to Mary but foil to Rhoda. Leachman wasn't in too many episodes but was hilarious in the ones she was in as the irritating and needy but well-intentioned Phyllis. When both Rhoda and Phyllis spun off to their own shows, the show shifted more towards the newsroom and introduced two new characters. As "Happy Homemaker" Sue Ann Nivens, Betty White had the perfect mix of sweet and sassy. She could deliver a downright nasty line with a sugary sweetness that caused cringing and laughter all at once. As Ted's girlfriend and eventual wife Georgette, Georgia Engel began a long career playing up her soft spoken naivete. Not the brightest bulb in the box either, she was the perfect match for the bombastic Ted and allowed his character some new dimensions as well.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a TV classic from start to finish. It was a perfect storm of brilliance from the classic first episode when Lou Grant told Mary she's got spunk and then declared "I hate spunk" to the classic last episode where the entire WJM team is fired except for Ted and has a sentimental and funny group hug to say goodbye. There have been many great sitcoms for many great reasons but the consistency in the writing and acting and one of the best ensembles of all time made The Mary Tyler Moore Show quite possibly the best of them all.

THE TOP 10 EPISODES OF "THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW"
As always, this is based on personal opinion.

Close Calls - #8 "The Snow Must Go On," #145 "Mary Midwife," #91 "Best of Enemies," #54 "Rhoda the Beautiful," #49 "The Good Time News"

10. #168 "The Last Show" (first aired March 19, 1977)
In one of the best series finales of all time, the entire WJM gang is fired except for Ted. After return appearances by Rhoda and Phyllis and denial by Mary, the gang says a heartfelt goodbye with a moving (literally) group hug. It was a great and somewhat ironic ending to a classic series.

9. #87 "Happy Birthday Lou" (first aired December 22, 1973)
In one of Mary's many disastrous parties, she plans a surprise party for Lou's birthday. The only problem is he hates surprise parties so a stressed Mary must bring in guests one by one to appease Lou. It's a great episode for showcasing the great relationship between Mary and Lou.

"Chuckles Bites the Dust"

8. #127 "Chuckles Bites the Dust" (first aired October 25, 1975)
It may be the most classic episode of the series and it's for good reason. When Chuckles the Clown is killed in bizarre fashion, the entire newsroom think it's funny except for Mary until the funeral when everyone keeps it under control except Mary who can't control her laughter. The actual funeral is a comedic masterpiece by Mary Tyler Moore as she desperately tries to contain her laughter.

7. #29 "A Girl's Best Friend is Not Her Mother" (first aired October 16, 1971)
Any episode with a visit from Nancy Walker as Ida Morgenstern was a great episode and this is no exception. Ida is desperate to be friends with daughter Rhoda and even tries to dress the same as her. It's a great dynamic between mother and daughter that continued in the spinoff series Rhoda.

6. #1 "Love is All Around" (first aired September 19, 1970)
A pilot episode is always tricky but The Mary Tyler Moore Show had a great one with already well-developed characters. From Mary's awkward interview with Lou for a job to the Rhoda's initial hatred of Mary, it set the tone for a great series.

5. #82 "The Dinner Party" (first aired November 17, 1973)
Mary is hosting a dinner party for a congresswoman and (surprise) it does not go very well. Rhoda brings a date (Henry Winkler) who has to sit at another table because Mary had a strict planned number. But what makes this episode is the famous line when Lou takes half of the Veal Prince Orloff and Mary, in a desperate manner that only Moore can do, says "Mr. Grant you gotta put some back."

"Put on a Happy Face"

4. #71 "Put on a Happy Face" (first aired February 24, 1973)
Typically perfect Mary is having a rotten week as she is sick, sprains her ankle, and has an incurable hair bump. This is one of the funniest episodes of the series as Ted becomes disaster Mary's date to the Teddy Awards and Rhoda revels in Mary having troubles for once.

3. #6 "Support Your Local Mother" (first aired October 24, 1970)
The first episode with Ida Morgenstern is the best and a great showcase for Rhoda. Ida stays with Mary when she has a fight with Rhoda and Mary soon learns why Rhoda is driven crazy by her mother. This has many great moments including a touching end but the best moment might be Mary and Rhoda's "code language" on the phone when Ida shows up.

2. #14 "Christmas and the Hard Luck Kid" (first aired December 19, 1970)
The best Christmas episode of all time - for any show - has Mary working on Christmas Eve all alone. This has every element of a great Christmas episode and great performances from the whole cast - from Rhoda's Christmas Eve excitement to Lou's awkward moment as he fills in an amount on a gift check to Mary, it's a classic Christmas episode and a classic Mary episode.

"The Lars Affair"

1. #73 "The Lars Affair" (first aired September 15, 1973)
But the best episode of this classic series is the first appearance of Betty White and the finest performance from Cloris Leachman. Phyllis' husband Lars is having an affair with White's Sue Ann Nivens. Leachman won a well deserved Emmy and she is hilarious from start to finish as she tastes her pie with disgust and then the final scene with Sue Ann that also includes a great moment with Mary. It was a memorable first appearance for a classic character and a shining moment for another classic character.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/26/11

ABC 
8:00 Movie: The Pursuit of Happyness
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 The Amazing Race (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 Harry's Law (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 

RATINGS RECAP: 2/25/11

ABC
8:00 Supernanny
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 The Defenders
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 CSI: NY
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

NBC
8:00 Who Do You Think You Are?
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

ABC had its usual low-rated Friday night. At 8pm, Supernanny was up two tenths in viewers but even in the demo as it remained at its usual low. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was even in viewers but down three tenths in the demo, tying a season low. This show isn't as strong as it was last season. Finally at 10pm, 20/20 was up 1.5 million viewers and three tenths in the demo after last week's lows. Overall, not much to report here.

CBS was close to normal levels for all three of its shows. At 8pm, The Defenders was up two tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. Although the viewer total has been better than expected, the demo is just so low so a renewal seems next to impossible. At 9pm, CSI: NY was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. This show is clearly on the bubble for next season but could CBS do any better in this slot? Finally at 10pm, Blue Bloods was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's very old-skewing 1.5 demo. The total viewer numbers in a tough timeslot seem to be strong enough to earn a renewal.

NBC remained somewhat competitive on Friday night. At 8pm, the just-renewed Who Do You Think You Are? was up three tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo to a season low. Still, NBC probably couldn't do much better than this on Friday night and could certainly do worse. At 9pm, Dateline NBC was down a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. FOX was solid in the demo again. At 8pm, Kitchen Nightmares was down three tenth in viewers and the demo but remained the demo winner for the hour. At 9pm, Fringe was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo but it could earn a renewal with these somewhat steady numbers.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/24/11

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 9.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
8:30 Rules of Engagement
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 CSI
Viewers: 12.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 14.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 Community
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Perfect Couples
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:30 Outsourced
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 21.8 million, 18-49 demo: 7.2

ABC continued to have troubles on Thursday night with a declining lineup from 9-11pm. The 8pm hour was a bit up though as Wipeout was up 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. This was a positive reversal after several weeks of drops. At 9pm though, Grey's Anatomy took a hit against American Idol and was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for series lows. Though the competition was fierce, this show has fallen mightily in recent years. At 10pm, Private Practice was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo for season lows though the retention was better this week.

CBS had fairly steady results including Rules of Engagement, airing in its new timeslot. At 8pm, The Big Bang Theory was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. Rules of Engagement followed and was below its ratings for Monday recently but there is more competition on Thursday with Idol. Its performance was comparable to $#*! My Dad Says too. With Two and a Half Men shut down for the rest of the season and possibly beyond that, maybe both shows will get renewed. At 9pm, CSI was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo with stronger competition on FOX and no Justin Bieber. At 10pm, The Mentalist was down two tenths in viewers and the demo but is still getting great numbers for a 10pm show these days.

NBC had another embarrassing Thursday night with its comedies. At 8pm, Community was down three tenths in viewers but even in the demo for a third consecutive week. These are terrible ratings but could NBC put anything here that would do any better? Perfect Couples followed and was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Now that it has dropped below 3 million viewers, how can NBC rationalize keeping it on the air? At 9pm, The Office was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, dropping for a fifth consecutive week. This is not what NBC was hoping would happen with Steve Carell's finale nearing. At 9:30pm, Parks and Recreation was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo which isn't too bad since it had a weaker lead-in and was facing the last half hour of American Idol this week. At 10pm, 30 Rock was up four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week while Outsourced was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo for series lows. Overall, this night is trouble for NBC which was once indestructible on this night.

FOX continued to dominate with American Idol which was two hours this week. It was down another four tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo but FOX should still be happy with these numbers. There was so much talk about Idol's possible demise this season but the new judges have been popular with fans and in some ways, Idol feels a bit refreshed. FOX will continue to easily win any night that it airs this powerhouse.

RENEWAL ALERT: Hell's Kitchen

In more renewal news, FOX has renewed the veteran reality show Hell's Kitchen for a ninth and tenth edition. The show, featuring Gordon Ramsey, often flies under the radar but was a solid performer on Wednesday nights last fall with its eighth edition as it averaged 6.3 million viewers and a young skewing 2.9 in the demo on a crowded night. FOX plans to kick off the next edition in late summer and will film the next two editions back-to-back though it's unknown if they will both air during the season next year.

This was not a surprising move by FOX and as mentioned the other day, there will be more renewals coming. Some sure bets to join Hell's Kitchen, The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show, Family Guy, American Dad, Raising Hope, and Glee include House and Bones. Bubble shows such as Lie to Me, Fringe, Human Target, and The Chicago Code might have a tough go of it with high profile series in development including Simon Cowell's X-Factor, a Bones spinoff, and Steven Spielberg's Terra Nova. X-Factor and Nova are sure to be on the fall schedule while the Bones spinoff seems a likely bet too.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/23/11

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Better With You
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
9:30 Mr. Sunshine
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 Off the Map
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 22.7 million, 18-49 demo: 7.9

ABC had another Wednesday of mixed results with its established hits performing well and its new shows struggling. At 8pm, The Middle was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. It's not performing like it was in the fall but holding its own against American Idol and Survivor. But the news was not as good at 8:30 as Better With You dropped two tenths in viewers and was flat in the demo. It now just seems like a weak bridge between The Middle and Modern Family in the ratings. At 9pm, Modern Family was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Idol seems to be taking its toll on this show but it still remained the standout in the block. At 9:30pm, Mr. Sunshine continued to fall as it was down another eight tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo and is now looking like less of an option than Cougar Town in the 9:30 slot. ABC needs to find a more compatible show to go with Family. Despite the weaker lead-in, Off the Map was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's lows. It's still too low but a step in the right direction for the struggling drama.

CBS had a steady night from 8-10pm but trouble is brewing at 10pm. First off, Survivor was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo but is still performing solidly against Idol. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo with a weaker lead-in and tough competition as this show is extremely durable. But the news was not as good at 10pm for the new spinoff Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior which was down a rough 3.3 million viewers and nine tenths in the demo from its premiere. This is one of the biggest second week drops so far this season and extremely disappointing for CBS after a strong sampling last week. It's still too early to tell but CBS may have spun off one franchise too many.

NBC was extremely quiet from 8-10pm as Minute to Win It was dead even with its very low numbers last week. This just isn't much of an option against much more popular unscripted programming on FOX and CBS. At 10pm though, Law & Order: SVU perked up seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week and already beat Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior in the demo despite a far inferior lead-in. This is great news for NBC's veteran show as it still seems to be the crime drama of choice in this hour. American Idol was down just a bit for FOX - five tenths in viewers and three tenths the demo - easily winning the night as usual.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/22/11

ABC
8:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 V
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 21.3 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 18.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
9:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:30 Traffic Light
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

ABC had another lackluster Tuesday night even with the preemption of Detroit 1-8-7. At 8pm, No Ordinary Family was down two tenths in viewers and tenth in the demo for more series lows. There's no way ABC should be renewing this show as it faded fast and now has bottomed out. At 9pm, though, V was down three tenths in viewers but even in the demo. The 1.9 demo isn't great but it has been very steady and the bright spot on a bad night for ABC. It may earn another half season renewal given the state of ABC dramas. At 10pm, Detroit was preempted for a special of Primetime: What Would You Do? which was behind Detroit in viewer totals but ahead of it in the demo from recent weeks. Overall, it didn't make much of a difference for ABC.

CBS had some good and bad news on Tuesday night. The good news was from 8-10pm. At 8pm, NCIS was up a nice 1.9 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo after last week's dip. It also tied in the hour in the demo against Glee for the first time. This veteran drama has been indestructible and seems to be stronger than ever in its eighth season. Not competing with American Idol has helped it this spring as well. The good news continued at 9pm where NCIS: Los Angeles was up 1.9 million viewers as well and six tenths in the demo to post season highs. Will CBS separate this powerful block next season to bolster other nights? At 10pm though, the news was not as good. Despite being up half a million viewers and even in the demo, The Good Wife was behind NBC's Parenthood in the demo and had terrible retention from NCIS: Los Angeles. It doesn't seem like CBS would cancel this critically acclaimed drama but a move to another night seems very likely as CBS can probably find a more compatible show for 10pm.

NBC had a decent Tuesday night. At 8pm, The Biggest Loser was down a tenth in viewers but even in the demo from last week. With Glee back, this show isn't as strong as it was at the beginning of the winter edition. At 10pm though, Parenthood was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo and registered a time period win in the demo for the first time this season against The Good Wife. This family drama skews very young and any show that can win the time period for NBC seems sure to get a renewal. After a rough fall, Parenthood has had a solid spring so far.

FOX was up across the board but didn't post huge gains anywhere. At 8pm, Glee was up a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo but only tied NCIS in the demo after posting big outright wins earlier in the season. Part of this is due to Glee being a bit weaker but NCIS has also been stronger. At 9pm, Raising Hope was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's lows and still seems to rely heavily on its strong lead-in. At 9:30pm, Traffic Light was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo, reversing its downward trend. It's still way too low but FOX may not give up on it yet.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/21/11

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
8:30 Mad Love
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 Chuck
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 The Cape
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Harry's Law
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:00 The Chicago Code
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

ABC saw its numbers rise on  Monday night after depressed numbers last week for Valentine's Day. At 8pm, The Bachelor was up a nice 1.1 million viewers and half a demo point for season highs in both categories. This will likely build as its season finale nears and then the new edition of Dancing with the Stars will further improve Mondays. At 10pm, Castle was up two tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo for its best demo numbers since November 1. These rises were some much needed good news for the alphabet network.

CBS, on the other hand, took a hit on Monday night but not a huge one. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was down two tenths in viewers and the demo despite last week being Valentine's Day. The demo is the lowest since November 22 when it was still competing with Dancing with the Stars. At 8:30pm, new sitcom Mad Love dropped seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for its second week, which is not a bad hold for a show that only garnered so-so reviews. Two and a Half Men began its era of reruns thanks to Charlie Sheen, but lucky for CBS it repeats quite well. Mike & Molly had to follow a repeat and was down 1.7 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. Considering it was following a new episode last week, this drop isn't too bad and it was able to build on the Men repeat in the demo. Despite the series low in the demo, this is turning into a bonafide hit for CBS. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down three tenths in viewers but even in the demo despite a weaker lead-in than last week.

NBC continued to have its usual Monday night problems from 8-10pm. At 8pm, Chuck was dead even with last week but still too low. At 9pm, The Cape was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. The season (and likely series) finale will air next week and then The Event returns for its spring run. Finally at 10pm, Harry's Law was up two tenths in viewers and held steady for a third week in a row in the demo. It's old-skewing but it has definitely leveled off and may even rise a bit again when CBS and ABC are in repeats. It could do better if it had a more compatible lead-in.

FOX moved back in a positive direction after last week's drops. At 8pm, House was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo while at 9pm, new series The Chicago Code was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week even with the same competition. After an underwhelming debut and last week's troubling drop, week three for the freshman cop drama showed a nice (and surprising) climb. Maybe this show will make it after all.

RENEWAL ALERT: American Dad!

In another renewal announcement, FOX has renewed another of its animated sitcoms - American Dad! for another season. While FOX had already renewed through next season (animated shows take a longer time in production), many thought they may just use it in random timeslots to burn off the remaining episodes after FOX moved it to 7:30pm on Sundays this spring. Instead, they gave it another season, renewing it through 2012-2013, which will be the show's eighth season.

This season, airing at both 9:30pm and now 7:30pm, it has averaged a so-so 5.3 million viewers and a 2.5 in the demo. The good news it that it hasn't dropped a ton since moving to 7:30pm. Among animated sitcoms, it joins The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show, and Family Guy in renewals. Only the freshman Bob's Burgers remains up in the air. Other FOX renewals are Glee and Raising Hope. Other sure bets for renewal include House, Bones, American Idol, Hell's Kitchen Cops, and America's Most Wanted. Current toss-ups include The Chicago Code, Million Dollar Money Drop, Fringe, Kitchen Nightmares, Lie to Me, and Human Target while Traffic Light is likely to join The Good Guys, Lone Star, and Running Wilde on the cancelled list. Still to debut is the comedy Breaking In.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/20/11

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 Brothers & Sisters
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 SNL: Just Commercials
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 SNL: Backstage
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

FOX
7:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
7:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
9:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

ABC had mixed results with its Sunday night. At 7pm, America's Funniest Home Videos was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo from last week and this seems to be about where the show is every week which isn't bad for a show that's over 20 years old. At 8pm, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was up a strong 3.2 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo compared to last week when it aired against the Grammys. The viewer total is a season high but now Makeover will take a break for the Oscars next week and then six weeks of new show Secret Millionaire. At 9pm, Desperate Housewives was up 1.4 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week's episode against the Grammys. It was a nice jump but actually not as high a jump as it should have been for this aging series. At 10pm, Brothers & Sisters was up just half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's lows and that should definitely have been a higher jump. If there's any show that ABC needs to move elsewhere, it's this one.

CBS's lineup was back in tact for the first time since December. At 7pm, 60 Minutes was down seven tenths in viewers and a rough six tenths in the demo to a 1.4. While no one would expect this veteran show to do as well as it does in the fall following football, CBS would probably like the demo to be a bit higher. At 8pm, The Amazing Race returned for its newest edition but it's numbers were way down from its fall premiere numbers. We'll have to see how it performs in the coming weeks but it's hard to compare it to the fall when it often followed a much stronger 60 Minutes that was following football. At 9pm, Undercover Boss was down a rough 2.9 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo from its last new airing on January 16, but that was on a night that CBS aired a divisional playoff game but it was still a season low in the demo. Finally at 10pm, CSI: Miami was down 1.5 million viewers and two tenths in the demo from its last airing, also on January 16. Overall, CBS is much more average on this night without a football powered lead-in, but these numbers are probably close to what it will get this spring.

NBC had a quiet Sunday night. At 7pm, Dateline NBC was six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week's two hour edition while two SNL specials, one a repeat and one a new special, delivered so-so results. FOX aired its regular animated lineup. Following a Simpsons rerun, the recently renewed American Dad! aired at 7:30 and was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week's lows. These numbers aren't horrible for a 7:30pm show. At 8pm, The Simpsons was up seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Bob's Burgers was up the same. Bob's Burgers just doesn't seem to be doing much with a decent lead-in, it hasn't caught on yet. At 9pm, Family Guy was up six tenths in viewers and also a tenth in the demo, winning its half-hour in the demo against the likes of Desperate Housewives and Undercover Boss. At 9:30pm, The Cleveland Show was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, the only show to go up more than a tenth in the demo from last week.

RENEWAL ALERT: The Biggest Loser, The Sing-Off, Who Do You Think You Are?

NBC has renewed a trio of reality series for the 2011-2012 season. It's not too surprising that these three reality shows were renewed as they are among the more stable performers on NBC's troubled lineup.

The long running inspirational weight-loss show The Biggest Loser was among the renewals. Long a staple of NBC's Tuesday nights, last fall's edition was lower-rated but it has perked back up with the Spring Couples edition, the show's 11th. This edition has been averaging 8.5 million viewers and a 3.1 demo through seven episodes, which puts it among NBC's top-rated shows. The show will have to go on without trainer Jillian Michaels, who announced that the current edition would be her last. With NBC's lineup in shambles, this stable two hours has been necessary but if NBC's lineup could get stronger again, it may someday get reduced to one hour.

Also renewed was the popular December talent competition The Sing Off. After a so-so debut in December 2009, it returned a year later to strong results. In five episodes, it averaged 8.6 million viewers and a 2.9 demo. The question is, will NBC leave it as a successful limited series during a slow ratings month or will it expand to be a regular series? Although NBC has lots of holes, it might limit its appeal by having it be yet another weekly series. It seems to work best as it currently is.

NBC also ordered a third season of genealogy show, Who Do You Think You Are? The series, from Lisa Kudrow, has made NBC competitive on Friday nights averaging 6.6 million viewers and a 1.3 in the demo in three airings this winter in a sleepy timeslot. While not stellar numbers, it has been a major improvement over the disaster School Pride in the fall. The show was also a reliable performer last spring and it may be held again for the midseason come next year.

NBC has a lot of decisions to make for next year with yet another underperforming lineup. Along with these shows and the already renewed 30 Rock, sure renewal bets include Law & Order: SVU and The Office. Other likely renewals include Harry's Law, Parenthood, Minute to Win It, and Parks and Recreation while Community, Chuck, The Event, Law & Order: Los Angeles, and Outsourced could go either way. Perfect Couples, Chase, The Cape, and School Pride are pretty much certain to join Outlaw and Undercovers in the cancellation bin. Still to debut this season are The Marriage Ref, Celebrity Apprentice and the new America's Next Great Restaurant.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/19/11

ABC 
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Movie: Over the Hedge
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 CSI: NY (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Harry's Law (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

RATINGS RECAP: 2/18/11

ABC
8:00 Supernanny
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 

CBS
8:00 The Defenders
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 CSI: NY
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
8:00 Who Do You Think You Are?
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

ABC had a very sleepy Friday night with its low-rated lineup. At 8pm, Supernanny was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from its last airing two weeks ago for season lows. This show is more than ready to end and is bringing down the whole night. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was up a tenth in viewers and three tenths in the demo, which is somewhat positive. Finally at 10pm, 20/20 was down a rough 2.3 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week's two-hour edition and it was easily beaten by Dateline in the 10pm hour. These are cheap options for Friday nights on ABC but the ratings are just abysmal.

CBS had a decent night but low demos as usual. At 8pm, The Defenders perked back up a bit as it was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week. That still won't be enough to earn it a second season though. At 9pm, CSI: NY was up a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. The viewer total is the best since early November. CBS has too many dramas for available timeslots but it will be hard to rationalize cutting this veteran show which has performed admirably in a quiet Friday timeslot. At 10pm, Blue Bloods was just slightly below its last original airing on a Friday and comparable in viewer total to its last Wednesday airing. Its numbers look much better on Fridays than they did on Wednesdays, but the demo is skewing older and older. 

NBC started things off with Who Do You Think You Are? which was down seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, but still well above School Pride numbers. At 9pm, Dateline was up 1.1 million viewers and two tenths in the demo, building throughout the two hours. With a better lead-in, Dateline has been considerably stronger recently than it was in late fall.

FOX was competitive in the demo race on Friday night. At 8pm, Kitchen Nightmares was up three tenths in viewers and the demo. Though the numbers are low, it is very young-skewing for a Friday night. At 9pm, Fringe rebounded a bit from last week's lows as it was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It will be interesting to see if these numbers are good enough for FOX on Friday night. They are low but significantly better than what FOX had been getting here from The Good Guys.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/17/11

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 12.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
8:30 $#*! My Dad Says
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:00 CSI
Viewers: 13.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 15.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0

NBC
8:00 Community
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Perfect Couples
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
9:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
10:30 Outsourced
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 22.2 million, 18-49 demo: 7.6
9:00 Bones
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

The downward ratings trend continued on Thursday night as ABC was down across the board. At 8pm, Wipeout was down another million viewers and three tenths in the demo, the same drop it had last week from the week before. This show is starting to fall apart after a hot winter start. Wipeout could certainly perform better elsewhere but can ABC really do any better with something else in this timeslot? At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was down three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for season lows while Private Practice was down six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for season lows as well. ABC is having a serious problem with its dramas as its aging ones are fading and its young ones have failed to find an audience.

CBS was actually up from 9-11pm but they were down for the first hour. At 8pm, The Big Bang Theory was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. The demo is a season low and the show is starting to choke a bit against American Idol and with a downward trend for the broadcast networks but it still remains a big draw. At 8:30pm, the season finale of $#*! My Dad Says was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This is very unlikely to return next season and the dip for the finale was not helpful. At 9pm though, perhaps thanks to Justin Bieber's appearance, CSI was up seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while at 10pm, The Mentalist was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. With the way shows have been dropping in the last week, the climb by these two dramas was impressive.

NBC had another terrible Thursday night with its comedy lineup. At 8pm though, Community was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It is still way too low, but at least climbed back over the 4 million mark. But at 8:30pm, Perfect Couples was down a tenth in viewers and the demo for more series lows. There is no way this show will see a second season. At 9pm, The Office was down another half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. This show has really slipped in recent weeks which is surprising as one would think it might build towards Steve Carell's finale. Parks and Recreation followed and was down seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo as it appears the post-Office slot hasn't done much for this comedy. At 10pm, 30 Rock was down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for season lows. After a decent start at 10pm, the show is slipping now. Finally, Outsourced closed out the night and was downw four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for more series lows. It has really fallen off a cliff in its new timeslot.

The news was rosy at FOX though as American Idol was up three tenths in viewers and the demo, posting a nice gain now that auditions are over. Clearly predictions of this show's demise were overblown. At 9pm, Bones was down a tenth in viewers but the same in the demo. There really just doesn't seem to be anything that can air out of Idol but it seems like FOX should use a newer show that doesn't have an established and mostly unchanged audience.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/16/11

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
8:30 Better With You
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
9:30 Mr. Sunshine
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Off the Map
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 12.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
Viewers: 13.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 23.2 million, 18-49 demo: 8.2

On a crowded Wednesday night, ABC's entire lineup was down but some shows were down more than others. At 8pm, The Middle was down nine tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, posting a season low in total viewers as it had to deal with competition from Survivor and American Idol. At 8:30pm, Better With You was also down nine tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, posting series lows in both categories. This show seems to have lost a bit of steam in recent weeks after a hopeful fall. At 9pm, Modern Family was down a rough 2.6 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo, tying a season low in viewers though it remained a big draw in a crowded timeslot. New sitcom Mr. Sunshine lost considerable steam in its second week as it was down a huge 3.6 million viewers and 1.1 demo points. Some of that can be due to competition from American Idol that it didn't have last week but it also only garnered a so-so reception. ABC needs it to stabilize fast and possibly go back up a bit for it to be a feasible Cougar Town replacement. Finally at 10pm, Off the Map sunk 1.3 million viewers and four tenths in the demo for easy series lows. Chalk it up as yet another freshman drama failure for ABC. Their last hope is Body of Proof at the end of March.

CBS had a strong night. At 8pm, Survivor premiered to solid numbers. While it was down from its fall premiere levels, it held up well against the mighty American Idol and was a vast improvement over last year's comedies and the recent Live to Dance. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was down nine tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo as it had to face Idol once again. The news was great for CBS at 10pm with the premiere of spinoff series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. It got a great sampling and built from its parent show. It will be interesting to see how it holds up next week but for now it seems like CBS can do no wrong with its procedural franchises.

NBC was off the map from 8-10pm as Minute to Win It got majorly lost in the shuffle and was down a rough 2.5 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo for season lows. With these numbers, they might as well have left Chase on the schedule because Minute could not survive with Survivor back and Idol moving back to two hours. Minute may be better suited on Fridays but then what could NBC put in this slot? At 10pm, Law & Order: SVU was down six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo which really isn't horrible considering its terrible lead-in and the fact that it was facing off against a crime drama premiere on CBS. Over on FOX, American Idol was two hours again and down just nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo and continued to dominate the ratings.

PILOT REVIEW: Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior

CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Kelly, Beau Garrett, Matt Ryan, Kristen Vangsness

Created by Chris Mundy and Edward Allen Bernero
Written by Rob Fresco, Directed by John Terlesky

CBS has had lots of success spinning off its procedurals to new successful editions and now they try it again with the spinoff of the popular Criminal Minds - the very similar Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. Though the pilot had the storyline of Without a Trace with its abduction/vanished person storyline, the dialogue and feel of the show was pure Criminal Minds. Centered on a different profiling team of the FBI B.A.U., it is led by the Unit Chief Sam Cooper (Forest Whitaker). The rest of the team was not flushed out very much except for Michael Kelly as Agent Simms who is on shaky ground after killing a sex offender, but awarded a permanent special agent status after showing restraint in the field. The remainder of the team (Janeane Garofalo, Beau Garrett, Matt Ryan) will likely be given a bit more depth (but not a ton) in the coming episodes. Rounding out the cast is a familiar face from the parent show - tech specialist Penelope Garcia (Kristen Vangsness), who will appear in both shows.

If you like Criminal Minds, chances are you'll like the spinoff. The cast seems to have gelled more after last spring's weak backdoor pilot on the parent show. These procedurals will never be award winners but they are enjoyable and some weeks are better than others. A big strength in this show is Whitaker, who is a natural leader with some charisma. The other agents are hard to assess after the pilot but Kelly had a nice scene at the end and there doesn't seem to be any glaring weakness. They aren't as dynamic as the agents on the parent show, but that took time as Criminal Minds does not devote much time in each episode to character develop, which works for the genre. Seeing the familiar and talented face of Kristen Vangsness was a plus too, though she does not have the rapport with the new team that she has developed with the parent show's team yet. And as always, there was a whole lot of creepy in the pilot, but it was a pretty solid storyline.

These types of shows have their fans and their detractors and this is unlikely to be any different. It plays it safe and doesn't stray much from the format. It will likely only be as different from the parent show as CSI: Miami and CSI: NY are from CSI. There is enough to like about the pilot for fans of this type of show to be assured that it will be another comfortable procedural. However, it's unlikely to draw in any new fans to the genre. Basically, it's CBS to a tee. Safe and formulaic. But as a fan of the original, I don't see anything wrong with that.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/15/11

ABC
8:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 V
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 16.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
9:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 Traffic Light
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

It was a rough night all around for the broadcast networks on Tuesday night but ABC's low-rated lineup was the lowest as usual. At 8pm, No Ordinary Family was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. This is a series low in viewers and once again ties the low in the demo. There doesn't seem to be any chance this show will get renewed despite the state of ABC dramas. At 9pm, V was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. This is the third straight week it inched up in the demo and, unlike the dramas surrounding it, it seems to have a fighting chance for renewal. Finally at 10pm, Detroit 1-8-7 was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The as-good-as-gone drama will be preempted last week and air its final three episodes of the season (series?) in March. 

CBS was down across the board on Tuesday night. At 8pm, NCIS was down a million viewers and six tenths in the demo, hitting a season low in the demo as it has been above a 4 for quite awhile. There doesn't seem to be any obvious reason for the drop but it negatively impacted the rest of the night. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, posting better retention this week. Finally at 10pm, The Good Wife was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo, hitting a season low in the latter category. Some think this show will be cancelled with such a low demo but the critical acclaim and potential Emmy Awards is likely to save it at least one more year.

NBC's lineup was down as well. At 8pm, The Biggest Loser was down seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, posting lows for this edition as the 8pm hour especially was down last night across the networks. At 10pm, Parenthood was down a tenth in viewers but even in the demo from last week. Given the general downward trend, it's still too low but at least it was basically steady from last week. It also was just a tenth behind The Good Wife in the demo this week.

FOX was strong in the 8pm hour but down and the 9pm hour took a hit this week. At 8pm, Glee was down 1.1 million viewers and four tenths in the demo, posting its lowest numbers of the season except for Thanksgiving week. It seems as though this show may have peaked though there is a considerable loyal audience that's not likely to go anywhere soon. At 9pm, Raising Hope was down a rough 1.2 million viewers and half a demo point as its retention was worse despite Glee being down. This show seems to have lost some of its gaining strength from the fall. Finally, new entry Traffic Light was down 1.1 million viewers and half a demo point from its already low premiere as the show seems to have no shot at this point and is already close to Running Wilde levels.