RATINGS RECAP: 3/29/11

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars: The Story So Far
Viewers: 12.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 Dancing with the Stars Results
Viewers: 19.3 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
10:00 Body of Proof
Viewers: 13.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 18.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 15.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

FOX
8:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:30 Traffic Light
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

ABC had a very strong Tuesday night thanks to a revamped lineup. A Dancing with the Stars special set the night off right as it was way above the usually scheduled No Ordinary Family which will have its season finale next week. That led into the first results edition of Dancing with the Stars which was incredibly strong despite some tough competition. It was above regular levels from last fall's results night. That led into the series premiere of the heavily promoted Dana Delany drama Body of Proof which got a great sampling. It was one of the stronger premieres for any network this season but the big question will be, how will it hold up? ABC is giving it even more exposure with a special airing this Sunday as they hope this is the desperately needed drama hit.

CBS was all new and remained strong from 8-10pm despite much tougher competition from ABC. At 8pm, NCIS was down eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week and was the only demo winner for the night for CBS. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was down 1.3 million viewers but up three tenths in the demo which is surprising but a very solid result. The news was not as good at 10pm though as The Good Wife was down a 1.5 million viewers and two tenths in the demo. Both are season lows as it seems many fled to the premiere of Body of Proof. The three way race between those two shows and Parenthood will be interesting in the weeks to come. Still it seems like it might be time for The Good Wife to head to another night for CBS.

NBC had an ok night. At 8pm, The Biggest Loser was down a million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week but for NBC, those overall numbers are not too bad. It was followed by Parenthood which was down a tenth in viewers but even in the demo from its last new airing. While it was a distant third in total viewers, it tied The Good Wife in the demo and is a very young-skewing show. FOX had low rated repeats and one pathetic showing for a new Traffic Light which was down two tenths in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. Will FOX really let this continue to air?

PILOT REVIEW: Body of Proof

BODY OF PROOF

Starring: Dana Delany, Jeri Ryan, John Carroll Lynch, Nicholas Bishop, Sonja Sohn, Geoffrey Arend, Windell D. Middlebrooks

Created by Christopher Murphey
Written by Christopher Murphey, Directed by Nelson McCormick

Body of Proof is a new medical/crime drama starring TV veteran Dana Delany as Megan Hunt. Hunt was a successful neurosurgeon who lost her job thanks to effects from a devastating car accident that led to an accident on the operating table. She now works as a medical examiner helping to solve murders because she "can't kill a dead person." The headstrong Hunt often goes against the wishes of detectives but gets results. On the personal front, she is very career focused with few friends and is estranged from her daughter who lives full time with her ex-husband.

Body of Proof plays like it is - a mix between medical and crime drama. All the fancy medical phrases are dropped with regularity yet it essentially is a murder case procedural. That makes it somewhat intriguing but the truth is that it is a generic procedural. In the pilot, they made a somewhat unlikely jump to the conclusion almost as if they ran out of time on the story. The difference is Dana Delany though. She elevates the material and the performances around her. Her character is written as a bit of a know-it-all but she gives the character a vulnerability and a depth that makes her an intriguing lead. The more exploration into her home life and her back story will aid the drama as well because, like any procedural, the quality of the cases will vary from week to week.

The supporting cast is solid but unspectacular. Jeri Ryan is the second biggest name in the show as Chief Medical Examiner Kate Murphy but her character was barely seen in the pilot. Nicholas Bishop was solid as Hunt's supportive partner Peter Dunlap. John Carroll Lynch plays the somewhat blowhard Detective Bud Morris but he had some humble pie dealt to him in the pilot and appears to have an interesting personal story to be explored. Both Geoffrey Arend and Windell Middlebrooks didn't have huge parts in the pilot but were humorous and could add to the lighter moments in the show.

Body of Proof isn't as strong as the drama it replaced - Detroit 1-8-7 - but the potential is there because of Delany. Right now it's trying to be a medical drama, crime drama, and drama in general with the back story. It will need to balance all three to be successful as the crime part of the story seemed to be rushed in the pilot. This seems like it would fit perfectly on CBS, it will be interesting to see if ABC's audience buys it and how the post-pilot episodes turn out. But it has a chance.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/28/11

Check back later tonight for a review of the new ABC series Body of Proof, premiering at 10pm tonight!

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 22.8 million, 18-49 demo: 5.2
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 12.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:30 Mad Love
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 All Together Now: A Celebration of Service
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 The Event
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Harry's Law
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 House (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 The Chicago Code (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

ABC was all new on Monday night with the always powerful Dancing with the Stars. Against limited competition, Dancing was up a tenth in viewers and down the same from last week's powerful premiere. This is a great second week performance and it seems like the show doesn't need controversial or buzzworthy contestants to continue to be a huge hit. At 10pm, Castle was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for season highs. This show is always solid but it really improves with a Dancing lead-in. CBS was in repeats and below average for repeat numbers. The only new show was Mad Love which was down a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. The viewer total is another series low. Despite being right on CBS brand, this show isn't winning audiences over.

NBC had another quiet night. A special honoring President Bush Sr. was actually lower than usual occupant Chuck. At 9pm, The Event was new and was up four tenths in viewers but even in the demo. NBC will probably let its run play out this spring but that will be it for this heavily hyped flop. At 10pm, Harry's Law was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo from last week despite less competition on CBS. NBC's inability to give this show any sort of lead-in has dulled its promising start though a renewal is still very likely. FOX was in repeats with low results.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/27/11

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 Secret Millionaire
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Desperate Housewives (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Brothers & Sisters (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
7:00 NCAA Basketball Overrun
Viewers: 15.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.3
7:17 60 Minutes
Viewers: 14.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
8:17 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 11.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:17 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:17 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:00 America's Next Great Restaurant
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Celebrity Apprentice
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0

FOX
7:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
7:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

ABC was partially new on Sunday night but the dramas were in repeats at their usual low repeat numbers. At 7pm, America's Funniest Home Videos was up a tenth in viewers but down the same in the demo. It was followed by the fourth week of Secret Millionaire which was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. That is really good news for ABC as it not only stabilized but actually went up this week. At this point, it looks like it will certainly be back in some capacity. It also has shown strong half hour gains each week so far.

CBS had a powerful start to the night thanks to a highly rated March Madness overrun. This led to increases across the board from last week, some dramatic. 60 Minutes was up a big 2.9 million viewers and 1.1 in the demo for its best numbers since having a football lead-in. The Amazing Race was up nine tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week for a high for this edition. Undercover Boss followed and was up two tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo for its best numbers since January. Finally, CSI: Miami was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Its demo numbers have been better later which is the right time for that to be happening.

NBC had a typical Sunday night with quiet numbers from 7-9pm but perking up with Celebrity Apprentice. At 7pm, Dateline NBC was down a rough 1.6 million viewers and three tenths in the demo probably thanks in part to the basketball overrun on CBS and resulting effects. At 8pm, America's Next Great Restaurant was down a tenth in viewers for a series low but up a tenth in the demo from last week's low. Finally at 9pm, Celebrity Apprentice made the night much better for NBC as it was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for season highs. It is also young skewing and a 3.0 is particularly strong for an NBC show.

FOX's animated lineup was mostly new from 8-10pm. At 8pm, The Simpsons was up six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from its last new airing two weeks ago. Bob's Burgers followed and was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo from last week. As of now, this still seems to be the odd show out for next year. Family Guy was a repeat like it seems to be so often. It led into a new American Dad! at a special time (but its old timeslot) and it benefited as it was up eight tenths in viewers and have a demo point from its last new airing at 7:30pm. It came in slightly below recent numbers for usual timeslot occupant The Cleveland Show.

RENEWAL ALERT: The Amazing Race, Undercover Boss

In unsurprising news, CBS has renewed two of its stable Sunday night reality shows - The Amazing Race and Undercover Boss.

The Amazing Race has been a stable reality performer for CBS for a long time. This pick up was for a 19th Edition, which will air next fall. No word yet on whether a 20th Edition will air in the spring although that seems likely. Like Survivor, it has weathered many editions and yet remains a reliable performer year after year. The current cycle, which began in February, has averaged 9.2 million viewers and a 2.6 in the demo through five episodes (not counting last night).

Fellow Sunday night show Undercover Boss was also renewed for a third season. The show was a smash hit last spring after its post-Super Bowl debut. Although the novelty has worn off and the ratings have cooled this season, it still remains a solid performer so this renewal is no surprise. It seems as though it would benefit from a slight change to the format or maybe a half season order so the novelty doesn't continue to wear too thin. Through 18 episodes (not counting yesterday), it has averaged 11.8 million viewers and a 3.2 in the demo.

The Amazing Race and Undercover Boss join The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, Survivor, and (possibly) Two and a Half Men as early renewals for CBS. Sure to join them next season are Mike & Molly, Hawaii Five-0, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, CSI, The Mentalist, and 60 Minutes. Likely renewals include Rules of Engagement, The Good Wife, and Blue Bloods. On the bubble is CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, and Mad Love while things don't look good for $#*! My Dad Says and The Defenders. Premiering this Friday is new drama Chaos.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/26/11

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 

CBS
8:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:30 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:30 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
8:00 Harry's Law (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 

RATINGS RECAP: 3/25/11

ABC
8:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:27 NCAA Basketball Between Game Break
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:45 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8

NBC
8:00 Who Do You Think You Are?
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

ABC had a rough night despite Shark Tank airing in place of the now ended Supernanny. Shark Tank made its Friday debut but was up only slightly from Supernanny's usual numbers. I wonder what would have happened if ABC stuck to its original plan of Secret Millionaire and Body of Proof on Fridays. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo despite a slightly better lead-in. At 10pm, 20/20 was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo but was easily beaten by Dateline NBC. CBS was up significantly from last Friday with another round of March Madness even though they were down year-to-year (thanks to spreading the games out over four networks). CBS will premiere Chaos when its regular Friday lineup returns next week.

NBC was all new with solid Friday numbers. At 8pm, Who Do You Think You Are? was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from its last new airing three weeks ago. That led into Dateline NBC which was up a strong 1.2 million viewers and four tenths in the demo. The viewer total is a season high as this show has enjoyed a renaissance (by Friday standards of course) this spring. 

FOX was all new as well. At 8pm, Kitchen Nightmares was up three tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo, tying a season low. Still a 1.5 demo for FOX on Fridays is far better than recent years. At 9pm, the just-renewed Fringe was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo from last week's lows. It's doing ok for a Friday but its vocal niche audience help seal its renewal.  

RATINGS RECAP: 3/24/11

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

CBS
8:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:24 NCAA Basketball Between Game Break
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:42 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

NBC
8:00 Community
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Perfect Couples
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:30 Outsourced
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 21.3 million, 18-49 demo: 6.4
9:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

ABC was all new on Thursday night with its regular lineup. At 8pm, Wipeout was up two tenths in viewers and the demo for its best numbers since February 3. It was followed by Grey's Anatomy which was up 1.2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from its last new airing. It benefited from no CSI and a Bones repeat airing against it but it is not the powerful hit it once was. Finally, Private Practice was up 1.9 million viewers and seven tenths in viewers from last week's episode which aired at 9pm. Not surprisingly, this show continues to be lead-in dependent. CBS had decent numbers from Sweet 16 games of March Madness, especially the later game.

NBC was all new but low rated as usual with its comedy lineup despite being up across the board. At 8pm, Community was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week. It was followed by Perfect Couples which was up half a million viewers and a surprising four tenths in the demo. These are its best numbers since the second episode but it's too little too late as the show is basically (but not officially) cancelled with The Paul Reiser Show coming in April. At 9pm, The Office was up a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from its last new airing a month ago. This show may build in April with Steve Carell's nearing departure and Will Ferrell's guest arc. Of course its rise helps Parks and Recreation which was up 1.1 million viewers and six tenths in the demo, proving it is quite lead-in dependent. At 10pm, 30 Rock was up two tenths in viewers and the demo from last week's lows. Outsourced was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo from last week but actually finished behind Perfect Couples as the lowest rated show which doesn't bode well for an on-the-bubble show.

FOX was new from 8-9pm with American Idol and its save of the voted-off Casey Abrams. Idol was up a solid 1.7 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo from last week's episode that had to compete with St. Patrick's Day. This is a better performance for a results show after last week's troubling drop. It was followed by a decently rated repeat of Bones. 

RATINGS RECAP: 3/23/11

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
9:30 Mr. Sunshine
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Off the Map
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 11.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 23.9 million, 18-49 demo: 7.9

ABC had mixed results on Wednesday night. At 8pm, The Middle was down eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from the last new episode three weeks ago for season lows. This show got as high as over 10 million viewers and a 3 in the demo so the American Idol and Survivor competition is really taking its toll. A repeat of The Middle bridged the 8:30pm gap to numbers similar to new episodes of the preempted Better With You. At 9pm, Modern Family was up eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from its last new airing which is solid with the Idol competition. Mr. Sunshine was helped somewhat as it was up 1.3 million viewers and three tenths in the demo, but its retention out of Modern Family is still very low and its been no improvement over Cougar Town. Finally at 10pm, Off the Map was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo but the overall numbers remained disappointing.

CBS had mixed results as well. At 8pm, Survivor was up three tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. This has really done well against American Idol all spring. A Criminal Minds repeat at 9pm delivered solid numbers for a repeat standards but spinoff series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior was down 1.5 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week when it followed a new Criminal Minds. The viewer total is a series low and this spinoff show just doesn't seem to be winning audiences and is no better than previous timeslot occupant The Defenders.

NBC started pathetically as usual with Minute to Win It (though it was up nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's episode) and a Law & Order: SVU repeat. But a new episode of Law & Order: SVU at 10pm won the hour in the demo and was up eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from its last new airing a month ago. This veteran series remains one of NBC's most stable and reliable performers. FOX had a night of American Idol as usual and was up 1.3 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week. This was despite the ABC comedies being new again so this is another impressive performance for the show that just won't die. 

RENEWAL ALERT: Fringe

In a somewhat surprising development, FOX has renewed the cult favorite but low rated Fringe for next season, which will be the show's fourth. Fringe had a very loyal but small audience on Thursday night for the fall and as a result, was moved to Fridays. Though the ratings went down, it has been an improvement over recent FOX Friday entries. However, the most recent episode fell to a season low in the demo. But it has a very vocal grassroots movement and FOX has to be thinking it will continue on Friday. Through 17 episodes, it has averaged 4.6 million viewers and a 1.7 in the demo.

Fringe joins Glee, Raising Hope, Hell's Kitchen, and all of their animated lineup except Bob's Burgers as early renewals. This renewal does not help the chances of FOX's other bubble dramas as FOX has many spots filled on its schedule including new series X-Factor and Terra Nova as well as sure bets House and Bones. In big jeopardy now are Lie to Me, The Chicago Code, and Human Target. Traffic Light is as good as gone, Bob's Burgers is on shaky ground, while Million Dollar Money Drop could be back and Kitchen Nightmares probably will be back in some capacity.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/22/11

ABC
8:00 No Ordinary Family
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Best in Film: The Greatest Movies of Our Time
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 16.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 Parenthood (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

FOX
8:00 Glee (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:30 Traffic Light
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

ABC was new on Tuesday night starting with No Ordinary Family which was up a decent 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from its last airing three weeks ago. The viewer total is the best since January 18 and while it might be making an eleventh hour push, its failed is almost sealed especially with an original episode airing this Saturday night. It was followed by a Best in Film special that performed adequately and on par or above recent Tuesday entries V and Detroit 1-8-7. The results edition of Dancing with the Stars and series premiere of Body of Proof will air next Tuesday.

CBS won across the board with its drama lineup. At 8pm, NCIS was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo from its last airing three weeks ago. However, it's kind of surprising it didn't go up in the ratings with Glee being a repeat. It was followed by NCIS: Los Angeles which was up nine tenths in viewers but also even in the demo. Finally, The Good Wife was up three tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo despite very little competition. CBS needs to find a new slot for this critically acclaimed show where the demo performance won't be as glaring.

NBC was new from 8-10pm with The Biggest Loser which was even in viewers but up three tenths in the demo for its best performance since February 8. Loser remains one of NBC's strongest demo draws. A low rated Parenthood repeat closed out the night. FOX started things off with repeats of Glee and Raising Hope. It was followed by a new Traffic Light which bombed big time and was down down nine tenths in viewers and half a demo point for easy series lows. Will FOX really keep this on the air after it lost a ton of Raising Hope's REPEAT audience? This is another sitcom bomb for FOX.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/21/11

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 22.7 million, 18-49 demo: 5.3
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1 

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
8:30 Mad Love
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

NBC
8:00 Chuck
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 The Event
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Harry's Law
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:00 The Chicago Code
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

ABC was back on top in a big way on Monday night thanks to the return of Dancing with the Stars. Despite a less buzzworthy cast from the media's perspective, Dancing actually had a better debut from last fall with very impressive numbers. It could overtake American Idol as the highest rated (in total viewers) show of the week. This show will help ABC on Monday and Tuesday through the rest of the season. It was followed by a new Castle which benefited and was up a big 1.9 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from its last new airing three weeks ago. Those are both season highs for Castle which can be very up and down based on the lead-in. Still, it was an impressive time period win for ABC's drama.

CBS took a hit against the increased ABC competition. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was down 1.2 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from its last new airing three weeks ago, sinking to season lows. New sitcom Mad Love followed and was even in viewers but up three tenths in the demo. The lead-in was up significantly though from last week's repeat so this small rise shouldn't be looked at as a promising performance. This has been a weak link on CBS's Monday lineup so far. After a Two and a Half Men repeat, Mike & Molly was down a rough 1.7 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from its last new airing for series lows. Last time, its lead-in (though still a repeat) was much stronger. It appears this show isn't ready to stand on its own yet. Finally at 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down half a million viewers but actually up a tenth in the demo. The viewer total is a series low but the growth in the demo with a weaker lead-in and against tougher ABC competition is worth noting.

NBC had a very low rated night to no one's surprise. At 8pm, Chuck sunk seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for season lows. This show is still on the bubble, but there's no way it should be with these numbers. At 9pm, The Event was down two tenths in viewers for series lows but even in the demo. This show is toast, but did the producers and writers come up with an ending to the storyline? Finally at 10pm, Harry's Law continued to perk up the lineup but was down a rough 1.8 million viewers and two tenths in the demo for series lows. The stronger Castle and terrible lead-ins hurt this show, which is still a self starter for low rated NBC.


FOX was down with both shows as well against the tougher competition. At 8pm, House was down nine tenths in viewers but just a tenth in the demo. The show has been on a downward ratings trend for years but FOX can't seem to develop new successful dramas and the demo is still strong for House. At 9pm, The Chicago Code was down 1.1 million viewers but also just a tenth in the demo. Both are series lows however as this drama was showing some promising steadiness but is now starting to slip.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/20/11

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:00 Secret Millionaire
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
7:00 NCAA Basketball Overrun
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
7:19 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:19 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:19 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:19 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 America's Next Great Restaurant
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Celebrity Apprentice
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

FOX
7:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
7:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.4 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: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

ABC was all new from 8-11pm but with a different lineup than usual. At 8pm, week three of Secret Millionaire was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. It has dropped from a 3.4 to a 2.5 in the demo in just three weeks so ABC must be hoping it will stabilize soon. It seems to be a solid option but is now settling into numbers close to what Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was getting in the same slot. At 9pm, the season premiere of Shark Tank premiered to its best numbers ever. Of course that's not saying too much and the ratings are sure to go down (but expectations will be lower) in its Friday 8pm regular timeslot. Finally at 10pm was the season finale of Detroit 1-8-7 which hit a series low in total viewers. Despite some fan support, this drama has probably (and sadly) seen its last episode as it was just one of many freshman drama flops for ABC.

CBS's lineup was about 20 minutes behind thanks to March Madness overrun. 60 Minutes started things off and was up 1.4 million viewers and three tenths in the demo probably thanks to the stronger lead-in. The Amazing Race followed and up seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for its best numbers so far this edition. Undercover Boss was next and was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo. The novelty has certainly worn off for last spring's hit. Finally, CSI: Miami was down a full million viewers but just a tenth in the demo from last week's highs. Its numbers still seem to warrant a renewal for this on-the-bubble veteran.

NBC was all new on Sunday night as well. At 7pm, Dateline NBC was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. It was followed by America's Next Great Restaurant which fell another three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo to series lows. This is another flop for NBC but at least its not a high profile flop this time. Finally, Celebrity Apprentice was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo for a third straight week as it was a rare bright spot for the peacock network. 

FOX was in repeats from 7-8:30pm but then all new for the rest of the night. Following a repeat of The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers was actually up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This is somewhat encouraging as it had a weaker lead-in but the newest animated sitcom is not exactly setting the world on fire. At 9pm, Family Guy was new after being a repeat last week and was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from its last new airing. The demo is still good but this show is not as strong when the lineup is not football-fueled. Finally at 9:30pm, The Cleveland Show was up seven tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from its last new airing, posting its best numbers in awhile.

SPECIAL COMMENTARY: Save "Detroit 1-8-7"

In place of the Weekend Rewind this Sunday, I would like to offer a commentary and a plea to ABC to renew my favorite new show of the 2010-2011 season, Detroit 1-8-7, which will air its season finale tonight at 10pm.

I am well aware that the ratings for Detroit do not merit a renewal. It had a ho-hum debut ratings-wise and has really slipped badly this winter without a Dancing with the Stars lead-in. But it's not like ABC has more dramas than they know what do with (which is CBS's current problem). ABC has not launched a successful drama in a couple years and many are thinking they will renew one of their struggling freshman. While many are predicting that will be Off the Map or still-to-come drama Body of Proof, I would love for them to consider Detroit 1-8-7.

Detroit 1-8-7 was originally conceived as a "mockumentary" drama with a ride-along camera crew going around with the cops. This was changed after Detroit laws changed following a controversial shooting. The show took a few episodes to get itself on track with that change but it has really found its voice. The early episodes were generic police procedural (although still captivating) but the recent episodes have really focused on character development. The show was also originally criticized by the people of Detroit for not being true to life but they have also changed their tune. Plus, it's been a small help to the Detroit economy and they need all the help they can get.

It's the cast though that really makes Detroit worthy of a renewal. It all starts with Michael Imperioli who has been fantastic as the brilliant but flawed Detective Louis Fitch. He's such an intriguing character that the writers are just starting to scratch the surface with. His back story and his personal life are just starting to come into focus and it would be a shame to see that storyline cut short. Another standout is James McDaniel as the veteran Sgt. Longford. His character's back-and-forth with retirement has given him some more depth. Natalie Martinez is strong as Det. Sanchez as is Jon Michael Hill as young cop Det. Washington. The relationship between partners Fitch and Washington is one of the show's strongest (and often funniest) pairings. The recent plot twist that killed Dt. John Stone (DJ Cotrona) made things seem very real.

The gritty backdrop of a hurting city has also been a strong point. Unlike the glamor of CSI in Las Vegas or Miami and Law & Order in New York or Los Angeles, the problems of Detroit are heartbreaking. Recent reviews I've read from actual Detroit dwellers say that the show is doing an accurate job of portraying the dark sides of the city and the rampant crime and violence.

This hasn't been a great year for TV dramas. There have been many flops and no real critical standouts on any network. Detroit 1-8-7 does not deserve to be renewed for ratings but it deserves to be renewed for quality. It is the best freshman drama with the most upside. Come on ABC, give it another chance.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/19/11

ABC 
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Movie: Norbit
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 NCAA Basketball
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

NBC
8:00 Harry's Law (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 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: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 America's Most Wanted
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

RATINGS RECAP: 3/18/11

ABC 
8:00 Supernanny
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 NCAA Basketball Round 1
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:48 NCAA Basketball Between Game Break
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:59 NCAA Basketball Round 2
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 Who Do You Think You Are? (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 7.0 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: 1.3

ABC was all new on Friday night with its regular low-rated fare. The series finale of Supernanny was up seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week. The show has been a decent filler for a long time on ABC but its expiration date passed long ago. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was up eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The viewer total is the best since January 21. At 10pm, 20/20 was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week's Japan coverage. CBS had ok results for March Madness but again, is hurt by other networks airing games this year.

NBC aired a repeat of Who Do You Think You Are? to decent repeat numbers by Friday standards. At 9pm, Dateline NBC was up three tenths in viewers but down the same in the demo with College Basketball competing. Still, this newsmagazine has done well in its 9-11pm slot this spring and, in turn, has hurt the competing 20/20. FOX was all new but not impressive. Kitchen Nightmares was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, tying season lows. Fringe was up two tenths in viewers but down the same in the demo for a season low. This is not a good time for a bubble show to be slipping.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/17/11

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 
9:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Off the Map (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness Round 1
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:29 NCAA Basketball Between Game Break
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:48 NCAA Basketball March Madness Round 1
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 

NBC
8:00 Community
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
8:30 Perfect Couples
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 The Office (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:30 Outsourced
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 19.6 million, 18-49 demo: 5.7
9:00 Bones
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

ABC was new from 8-10pm on a quiet Thursday night as it seems the networks were impacted by St. Patrick's Day. At 8pm, Wipeout was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo from the last new airing three weeks ago. It was followed by Private Practice at a special time but it did not impress without a Grey's lead-in, as it was down four tenths in viewers and the demo from its last new airing at 10pm. Still after four years, this show can't seem to stand on its own very well. It was followed by a repeat sampling of Off the Map but it did not pick up many (if any) new viewers. CBS did not have very impressive numbers for Day 1 of March Madness thanks to the spreading out of viewers over four networks. Overall, the tournament's numbers were up on the first day, but it's negatively impacting CBS.

NBC's comedy lineup was new except for The Office, and was low as usual. At 8pm, the just-renewed Community was up four tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo from its last airing. The fact that this got renewed speaks to the problems at NBC. Perfect Couples was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo for a series low. This will likely not be joining the renewed comedies. After an Office repeat, another renewed series, Parks and Recreation was down half a million viewers and a rough six tenths in the demo. Not having a new lead-in did not help this show. At 10pm, 30 Rock was down three tenths in viewers and also six tenths in the demo for a season low in the latter category. NBC's young skewing shows probably had a lot of cross audience with the St. Patrick's Day bar crowd. Finally at 10:30pm, the on-the-bubble Outsourced was actually up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo with its last new airing.

FOX started things off with American Idol of course but the results show was down 2.5 million viewers and a full demo point from last week for season lows. Again, the demo could have been hurt badly by St. Patrick's Day. It was followed by Bones which was actually up 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo posting much better retention this week. The viewer total was the veteran show's second best of the season.

RENEWAL ALERT: Community, The Office, Parks and Recreation

NBC has renewed a trio of critically acclaimed but mildly rated sitcoms. One was no surprise at all, one was likely, and only one was on the bubble.

The most obvious renewal was for The Office. For a long time, The Office has been the tentpole and highest rated show on NBC's Thursday comedy block. With the writers planning for the transition as series star Steve Carell leaves, a renewal has been a given but didn't become official until today. Of course the show will be heavily scrutinized this spring and fall as it prepares to move on without Carell, the center of the show and biggest name in the cast. Through 17 episodes this season, it has averaged 7.3 million viewers and a solid 3.7 demo. It has slipped a bit in recent weeks but will probably spike for Carell's finale and Will Ferrell's overlapping guest arc.

Another unsurprising renewal was for Parks and Recreation. After being delayed for midseason this year, it got the prime post-Office slot. While the ratings have still only been ho-hum, the series has enjoyed a surge of critical praise and has a loyal and devoted but niche fan base. After a very rocky six episode first season, the show found its footing in its second season and is now one of the most consistently funny comedies on the air. Through 6 episodes, it has averaged 5.1 million viewers and a 2.6 in the demo. The good news for the show is that it is young-skewing.

Finally the most surprising (but still not entirely unexpected) renewal was for Community. The show is a cult favorite but has an extremely small audience in its spot as the lead-off for NBC's comedy block. Still, the show enjoys critical praise and for NBC, that seems to be enough despite some really paltry total viewer numbers. Through 17 episodes, it has averaged a low 4.5 million viewers and a 2.0 in the demo. The biggest question is, how will NBC's Thursday lineup look after the mediocre results for the experiment of three hours of comedy this spring.

These sitcoms join 30 Rock, The Biggest Loser, The Sing Off, and Who Do You Think You Are? among early renewals for next season. Likely or sure to join them are Harry's Law, Parenthood, Law & Order: SVU, Minute to Win It, and Celebrity Apprentice. On the bubble is Chuck, Law & Order: Los Angeles, and Outsourced while The Cape, Chase, The Event, Perfect Couples, and America's Next Great Restaurant are likely goners. Still to debut is The Voice while The Paul Reiser Show, Love Bites, and Friends with Benefits were never given premiere dates and are likely dead (why they wouldn't try one of them in place of Perfect Couples is beyond me).

RATINGS RECAP: 3/16/11

ABC
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 Mr. Sunshine
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Off the Map
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 13.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
10:00 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

NBC
8:00 Minute to Win It 
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 22.6 million, 18-49 demo: 7.6

It was basically the same story for ABC on Wednesday night compared to last week. Repeats of The Middle and Modern Family were ok but down from last week. These shows don't repeat nearly as well when they're against American Idol. They were followed by a new episode Mr. Sunshine which fell another three tenths in viewers but held steady in the demo. It will be interesting to see if this show can perk up when it follows a new Modern Family because right now it's been highly disappointing. At 10pm, Off the Map fell another tenth in viewers and the demo for series lows. Many think ABC will grant a mercy renewal for one of its freshman dramas but will this really be the one as many predict? It shouldn't be as its now close to the level of the long-written off Detroit 1-8-7.  

CBS was all new on Wednesday night. At 8pm, Survivor was down three tenths in viewers but even in the demo as it continued to hold its own against Idol. At 9pm, the final episode (for now) of Paget Brewster in Criminal Minds was down seven tenths in viewers but even in the demo from its last new airing two weeks ago. A 3.6 in the demo against Idol is great. The better lead-in helped Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior was up 1.2 million viewers and three tenths in viewers. This may be serviceable but it's not a breakout hit like some of the other crime drama spinoffs have been.
 
NBC was not competitive as usual with a very low-rated Minute to Win It and two Law & Order: SVU repeats. Though it's worth mentioning that the 10pm SVU repeat was up significantly from the 9pm and actually beat Off the Map in viewers and the demo. Finally on FOX, American Idol was down 1.8 million viewers and half a demo point from last week. Part of this could have been due to tougher CBS competition at 9pm but it is the lowest Wednesday performance yet for the ratings monster.

RATINGS RECAP: 3/15/11

ABC
8:00 No Ordinary Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 V
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Detroit 1-8-7
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 12.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 12.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 The Good Wife (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 America's Next Great Restaurant (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 Glee 
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
9:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 Traffic Light
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

ABC was new from 9-11pm again this week. At 9pm, V was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo for its season finale. It has been very stable this season during its 10 episode spring run and given the state of ABC dramas, it may see a third season. There will probably be no decision made on this show until May. At 10pm, Detroit 1-8-7 was up half a million viewers as well and a tenth in the demo. The show will conclude its season (and likely series) at a special time this Sunday at 10pm. CBS was all in reruns with respectable rerun numbers but down across the board from last week's repeats.

NBC was all new from 8-10pm with The Biggest Loser which was down two tenths in viewers and the demo from last week. They preempted a Parenthood repeat for a last minute encore of Sunday's America's Next Great Restaurant which was low but better in the demo than Sunday and first in the hour, which speaks more to the problems in that hour than anything else.

FOX was the only all new network again this Tuesday. At 8pm, Glee was down eight tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week. It seems to have peaked at this point but it's not going away anytime soon. It was followed by Raising Hope which was down a rough nine tenths in viewers and half a demo point, tying a series low in the demo. This show seemed to have some momentum in the fall but it isn't showing that as much this spring. New DOA series Traffic Light was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Right now, it's scheduled to repeat throughout the summer but that would be surprising as it is another sitcom flop for FOX.