RATINGS RECAP: 1/30/12

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

NBC
8:00 Who's Still Standing?
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Fear Factor (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:00 Alcatraz
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

On Monday night, FOX's lineup remained on top but was down some from last week against limited competition. How will it do next week when NBC is stronger and CBS is all new with their hit lineup? At 8pm, House was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo while Alcatraz was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. If both of these shows stay at these levels, that's a success. But it's also a big "if" considering the competition coming next week. We'll know more then. 

NBC aired its filler Monday lineup for the last time before its last best hope (The Voice/Smash) launch next week. Who's Still Standing? was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. This show could certainly play a filler role again sometime as its ratings weren't bad. After a last-minute Fear Factor repeat that aired instead of a controversial episode, Rock Center with Brian Williams was down big from its Republican Debate numbers last week but close to where it was a few weeks ago. It will head to Wednesdays at 9pm where it is very likely to get clobbered. Over on ABC, The Bachelor was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. This show could take a hit against The Voice next week. 

RATINGS RECAP: 1/29/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:00 Movie: A Smile As Big as the Moon
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
7:00 NFL Pro Bowl
Viewers: 12.5 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3

FOX
7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
7:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Napoleon Dynamite
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

On Sunday night, CBS was all new starting with 60 Minutes which was up a strong 3.3 million viewers but even in the demo. These numbers are probably a good picture of where the veteran newsmagazine will be during the spring as it won't have the football fluctuations. At 8pm, Undercover Boss rebounded in a big way without the NFC Championship Game against it. It was up 3.9 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo for a season high in total viewers. Would CBS reconsider this show's move to Friday? It seems rejuvenated after slipping last season. At 9pm, The Good Wife was up 1.6 million viewers and two tenths in the demo from its last new airing and CSI: Miami closed out the night up a tenth in viewers but down three tenths in the demo from its last new airing three weeks ago.

ABC was all new with its regular lineup from 7-9pm. Without a Championship Game against it, America's Funniest Home Videos was up a big 2.2 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo for a season high in the demo. Once Upon a Time followed and was up a strong 1.6 million viewers and three tenths in the demo as it is showing no signs of slowing down. A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie did very little yet again. Why did ABC pick up this franchise? NBC aired the Pro Bowl which was down from last year but next week, they could set ratings records with a highly anticipated Super Bowl.

FOX was all new from 7:30-10pm with its animated lineup but it was down in extreme ways from its football-powered airings two weeks ago. It's not even worth writing the huge drops for each show but The Cleveland Show was incredibly low at 7:30pm and Napoleon Dynamite didn't hold up very well as it's already in Allen Gregory territory. Family Guy was the easy high point of the night but if this is a sign of things to come in the spring for this lineup, that's not good.

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 50 Theme Songs #40-#31

Here's the next batch of my Top 50 Theme Songs! For #50-#41, click here!

40. The Donna Reed Show Theme (The Donna Reed Show, 1958-1966)
No other theme song better captured the innocent and sweet era of sitcoms that The Donna Reed Show is from. With a pleasant, orchestral number, the theme song was as squeaky clean as the show itself. The song and accompanying credits reflect a bygone era as the housewife in pearls readies everybody for their day. There were many shows in this category in the 50s but none had a theme song that matched the genre as well.

39. Mission: Impossible Theme (Mission: Impossible, 1966-1973)
One of the most famous theme songs, the Mission: Impossible theme delivered intensity and suspense that the show would follow up with. It has been redone many times by the remade series in the 80s, the hit movie franchise starring Tom Cruise, and countless marching bands. This is why shows today need to invest in quality theme songs because that famous theme has helped this show stay more relevant than it would have otherwise.

38. The Brady Bunch Theme (The Brady Bunch, 1969-1974)
Another of the classic "telling the story" theme songs, this one so obviously tells the story that it starts with the line "here's the story." The Brady Bunch was iconic for many reasons and the theme song with the accompanying "grid" of the family (and Alice) was just one of those reasons. But how can you think about the Bradys without thinking of the song? You can't, and that's what a good theme song does.

37. "Welcome Back" (Welcome Back Kotter, 1975-1979)
One of the most successful theme songs of all time was from a show that was only a modest hit. But the theme by John Sebastian made it all the way to #1 on the Billboard charts. The show is frankly annoying but the theme is just awesome. It might have charted higher if I had a fonder impression of the show beyond the great theme. 

36. "The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle" (Gilligan's Island, 1964-1967)
Maybe the most famous of the "telling the story" themes, Gilligan's Island explained the whole ridiculous plot for the whole ridiculous series. And of course this show even gives the entire cast (save for the "rest" that included just the Professor and Mary Ann, whose names were added for season two). And another famous line begs the age-old question, if it was a "three hour tour" - why did some of them pack so many clothes? Oh, the 60s.

35. I Dream of Jeannie Theme (I Dream of Jeannie, 1965-1970)
Sure, everybody knows and loves the theme song from seasons 2-5 and it's a good one that would make this list, but the reason this show is higher than others is because of the underrated first season theme. This theme was less hokey and much classier than the theme that followed. It gave the show more sophistication and the first season was more sophisticated as the show got sillier over time. The quality of the video isn't great but I think it's worth posting this one instead of the more classic one.

34. "Making Our Dreams Come True" (Laverne & Shirley, 1976-1983)
From the classic opening - "Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!" to the uplifting theme song, this show had a classic song that was borderline cheesy but still enjoyable. I can't identify something I specifically love about this theme song like I can for other shows, except to say that I have always liked it and still do. I'm not even sure it fits the broad, physical comedy sitcom its accompanied to but it's just a good theme, plain and simple.

33. That Girl Theme (That Girl, 1966-1971)
That Girl was the precursor to The Mary Tyler Moore Show in many ways right down to the opening credits where a young single girl explores the city. There were many incarnations of the theme song and I tend to enjoy the jazzy, instrumental one rather than the one with the lyrics. And of course, you have to appreciate that they found a way to lead into the theme song by saying the phrase "that girl" for each of the 136 episodes.

32. "As Long As We Got Each Other" (Growing Pains, 1985-1992)
Much like WKRP in Cincinnati on my last batch of songs, there's something wistful and nostalgic about this theme even though I've never see more than a handful of episodes nor do I have any special connection to the show. This is one of those shows in my opinion where the theme song trumps the show. You want the show to be more like the theme song but it's not. That doesn't take away from the sweetness of the theme.

31. Doug Theme Song (Doug, 1991-1994)
The best Nicktoon of them all also had the best theme song. As a child from the era, there are millions just like me who have such fond memories of this simple, yet memorable theme song. I even have it on my ipod, that's how much I love it. Unfortunatley I don't have the accompanying credits, just the song but that's enough. Nickelodeon in that era had it all and great theme songs were just part of it. It's no wonder Teen Nick's "The 90s are All That" block has been so successful.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/28/12

ABC
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Movie: Blades of Glory
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 Rules of Engagement (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Harry's Law (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 US Figure Skating Championships
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

FOX
8:00 UFC Fight Night
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 19

GOOD WEEK: FOX DRAMAS
FOX is having a run of good luck lately with its dramas after things were looking somewhat dire in the fall. In the last two weeks, Alcatraz saw strong debut and then displayed a strong week two hold, a sneak preview of Touch delivered one of the best series premieres for a drama this season, The Finder has gone up in the ratings for each of its first three weeks after a dismal start, and House returned to some of its best numbers of the season after a long hiatus. Even Fringe was up a hair on Friday night. The only show this might be bad news for is Terra Nova, which is on-the-fence for renewal and would benefit from other dramas failing.

BAD NEWS: NBC'S "HAPPY HOUR"
It seems like beating a dead horse to put NBC in this category every week, but let's face it, they are having troubles in every direction. One of the more glaring problems is Wednesday night where its 8pm hour of multicamera comedies - Whitney and Are You There, Chelsea? - are falling apart. After debuting to better than expected, but still ho-hum, numbers (2.0 demo for Whitney and 2.3 for Chelsea), they have fallen dramatically in three weeks to a 1.4 demo for both shows. Everyone says NBC needs broader shows, and that may be true, but neither of these two shows is the answer or even part of the solution.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/27/12

ABC 
8:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 A Gifted Man (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 CSI: NY (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Chuck
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Chuck
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

On Friday night, ABC had another successful outing with its unscripted lineup. At 8pm, Shark Tank was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from its season premiere last week. Will this show be negatively affected when fellow unscripters Who Do You Think You Are? and Undercover Boss join the 8pm hour in the coming weeks. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was down seven tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo from its season premiere last week. Finally at 10pm, 20/20 was down 1.5 million viewers and three tenths in the demo.

NBC aired the final two episodes of Chuck. While the show saw a season high for its finale, this show didn't really deserve to last five years with the ratings it got. Still, it had a small but loyal fanbase that is sad to see it go. At 10pm, Dateline NBC was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. FOX had its usual lineup with Kitchen Nightmares up down half a million viewers for a season low and two tenths in the demo and Fringe up a tenth in viewers and the demo.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/26/12

ABC
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Private Practice (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 16.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.5
8:30 Rob
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 

NBC
8:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:30 Up All Night (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 The Firm
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 17.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.5
9:00 The Finder
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

On Thursday night, the mammoth that is The Big Bang Theory was at it again, posting new Thursday highs as it was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This is now the unquestioned top sitcom on TV and to be pulling these kind of numbers in the 8pm half hour is astonishing in this day and age. Syndication has really proven to be a huge boost for this show as it is showing no signs of slowing down like it did last season in its first year on Thursday. Rob followed and was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo for its third week. Again, the numbers aren't bad overall but the retention is even worse this week which begs the question - how would this show do on its own? Not to mention, American Idol shot up in the second half hour which could be a lot of Big Bang watchers switching over and that's not a good thing. We'll have to see where things go.

Over on FOX, American Idol was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's Thursday debut. Though still strong, it actually only tied for the lead demo of the night with The Big Bang Theory and was beaten outright by that show easily in the 8pm half hour. At 9pm, The Finder rose again as it was up 1.8 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. While the competition was light, it's still impressive that it has risen 2.9 million viewers and 1.1 demo points since its debut. It may not be as DOA as everyone thought but we'll have to see how it does when it's against regular competition.

NBC was not competitive as usual. At 8pm, 30 Rock was down three tenths in viewers for a series low and even in the demo. This show is no better option than Community and its obvious that NBC needs to go in another direction at 8pm. At 8:30pm, Parks and Recreation was down eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. This show may have been negatively impacted by no episode of The Office as the two have a lot in common, but it's still a terrible performance regardless. At 9pm, a second episode of 30 Rock was up from 8:00 but way down from The Office's usual numbers. After an Up All Night repeat, The Firm was actually up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, but the overall numbers are slow low, it doesn't matter.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/25/12

ABC
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Suburgatory (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:30 Happy Endings (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Revenge (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 13.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 14.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4

NBC
8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Are You There, Chelsea?
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 19.7 million, 18-49 demo: 6.5
9:00 Touch
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9

On Wednesday night, FOX was all new starting with American Idol which was down 2.2 million viewers and nine tenths in the demo from its season premiere last week. This show's best days are behind it but it's still TV's top draw, for now. At 9pm, a sneak preview of the new Kiefer Sutherland drama Touch got a great sampling. It will start airing regularly in March but after this preview, FOX may be wishing it was launching now. NBC was only new in the 8pm hour but its Happy Hour continued to implode. Whitney was up two tenths in viewers but down two tenths in the demo for a series low. Are You There, Chelsea? did even worse as it was down four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. These comedies have fallen a long way in a couple weeks. NBC is smart to try multicam sitcoms but these two shows are not the answer by any means. 

Over on CBS, Criminal Minds was up eight tenths in viewers and a strong half a demo point as it benefited from repeats on ABC and NBC. The demo is the best performance since November 16. At 10pm, CSI aired its final episode with longtime star Marg Helgenberger and it was up a big 2.3 million viewers and six tenths in the demo for season highs. Fans who may have stopped watching came back in to see Marg say goodbye but I don't think her departure will have a big impact on future ratings of the show.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/24/12

ABC
8:00 Last Man Standing (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Last Man Standing (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response
N/A
10:30 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 12.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response
N/A
10:30 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response
N/A
10:30 State of the Union Analysis
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 American Idol (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response
N/A 

RATINGS RECAP: 1/23/12

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 Who's Still Standing?
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Rock Center Special: Republican Debate
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Alcatraz
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0

On Monday night, FOX was on top thanks to good performances from a veteran and new drama. At 8pm, House was new for the first time since November 28 and it was up 1.4 million viewers and half a demo point from that date. In fact, it posted its best numbers since October 17. Maybe the promotion during the NFL game on Sunday helped? Either way, it was a promising start for its return to 8pm. At 9pm, week two of new drama Alcatraz was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from its series premiere last week. This is a pretty solid week 2 hold and FOX will be happy if the numbers can stay in this area. We'll see how week three does.

Elsewhere, ABC's The Bachelor benefited from repeats on CBS as it was up nine tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a season high. This show tends to build as the season goes on and it's a good sign that it seems to be doing that again. At 10pm, Castle was up seven tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. It really shouldn't have dropped in the demo considering that Hawaii Five-0 was a repeat. Will Smash have a negative impact on Castle in a couple weeks? Over on NBC, Who's Still Standing? was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from its last airing for a season high. NBC may want to consider keeping this show on the air on another night after next week because it's not doing any worse than most NBC shows and it's certainly cheaper. A Rock Center special covering a Republican Presidential Debate outperformed usual numbers for the show.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/22/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Pan Am
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 The Good Wife (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Prime Suspect
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Prime Suspect
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX 
7:00 NFC Championship Game
Viewers: 57.6 million, 18-49 demo: 21.4

On Sunday night, FOX absolutely crushed the competition with ridiculous numbers for the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers-Giants overtime tilt was up 2.7 million viewers and 1.7 demo points from the AFC Championship Game on CBS last year in primetime. The post-Championship Game slot is becoming just as important as the post-Super Bowl slot and American Idol delivered excellent numbers (19.8 million viewers, 7.9 demo) despite mostly airing in the 11pm hour. Wow! CBS was in repeats for the second half of the night but the night overall took a hit from football. 60 Minutes was down just six tenths in viewers and even in the demo as it may have had some residue from the AFC Championship Game that ended about an hour prior helping it. At 8pm, Undercover Boss was hit hard as it was down 2.3 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere. We'll see how it does this week before passing judgment.

ABC's lineup held up quite well considering the competition. America's Funniest Home Videos was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. A season low, but it was facing competition that was extremely strong. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time really held up nicely as it was down half a million viewers but just a tenth in the demo, posting a 3.2. This is a great great showing for the freshman drama. At 9pm, Desperate Housewives was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. While a series low, that's somewhat understandable. It will be interesting to see if it can rise towards the finale. At 10pm, Pan Am was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Just two more episodes than we'll probably never see it again. NBC aired burnoffs of Prime Suspect but they did no worse than The Firm which begs the question, did NBC really need to replace Suspect on Thursdays with Firm?

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 50 Theme Songs #50-41

I am starting a new topic for the Weekend Rewind - my all time favorite theme songs. This week, check out #50-#41. Please keep in mind that I eliminated shows that used songs that were not made famous by the series (such as The Wonder Years or Parenthood). Here we go!

50. Hey Arnold! Theme Song (Hey Arnold, 1996-2004)
Hey Arnold wasn't quite like any other cartoon from the heyday of Nicktoons back in the mid 1990s. It had an edge to it that was exemplified in the jazzy, street smart theme song. Jazzy themes are always a good way to go and this is one of the best. The wacky street gang that Arnold marches along with and Helga's incessant "Hey Arnold" served as a great intro to a classic Nicktoon. "Move it football head!"

49. Petticoat Junction Theme (Petticoat Junction, 1963-1970)
The relaxing, less crazed of the two Hooterville shows also had the better theme song despite Green Acres' theme being much more famous. Mixing the sounds of the train with the laid-back feel helped set the tone for a show that rivaled The Andy Griffith Show in down-home charm. Plus, as any good 1960s sitcom does, it thoroughly explains the plot for the audience. We could use more of that nowadays!

48. Newhart Theme (Newhart, 1982-1990)
Bob Newhart's second hit sitcom was much more laid back than his initial The Bob Newhart Show and that was reflective in the theme song - a simple music-only intro composed by the famous Harry Mancini. The quaintness of small town Vermont was captured both in the images shown and the simple music. It's amazing the way a theme song can really capture a mood the show is trying to create and Newhart did just that.

47. Mister Ed Theme (Mister Ed, 1961-1966)
A very famous theme song in TV history, I happen to think it's a little bit overrated just because it's actually quite dumb. But it does deserve to be on this list because it reflects a bygone era of sitcoms and a show like this wouldn't even fly on a cable access channel. But back then, it worked. As did a theme song that starts with "a horse is a horse, of course, of course." What a different time that was.

46. Rhoda Theme (Rhoda, 1974-1978)
The successful spinoff of The Mary Tyler Moore Show went through many theme song changes over its five seasons. It's most famous is probably the monologue delivered by Valerie Harper for seaosn 1 but my favorite of the themes was season 3, which is the one posted here. It's simple yet fun and it doesn't have the "la la la la la" singing that makes season 2 nearly unbearable. If it was Season 3 for its whole run, it might have charted higher.

45. "Brand New Life" (Who's the Boss?, 1984-1992)
The 1980s were the last really great decade for theme songs. There have been some great ones since but they are fewer and further between. Many 80s family sitcoms had pleasant themes (and more are coming on this list). This is one of them and it is strong but not the best. For a show that was wildly inconsistent in quality, the theme was charming and nice and so so 1980s.

44. "Movin' On Up" (The Jeffersons, 1975-1985)
The gospel style theme song was a very famous one and the best of the Norman Lear shows. For a show that was full of attitude, the theme song reflected it very nicely and it's just so catchy!

43. "Thank You for Being a Friend" (The Golden Girls, 1985-1992)
Another very pleasant 1980s theme, The Golden Girls is not a show I watch but I have always liked the theme song. The theme song was always very well liked and has had new significance since Betty White became everyone's best friend and grandmother. In fact, if you get a chance to find a video of all the attendees singing this theme to Betty White at her 90th Birthday special that aired last week, check it out. It's a very moving moment.

42. F Troop Theme (F Troop, 1965-1967)
Another of the 1960s "telling the plot" theme songs, this show had a silly intro to a silly show but it's very catchy and memorable. So what if it has lyrics like "where pale face and red skin both turn chicken"? It's still a great theme. In fact, I like the part without the lyrics better, I just like the music.

41. Theme from WKRP in Cincinnati (WKRP in Cincinnati, 1978-1982)
There are certain theme songs that have almost a wistful feeling to theme and this is one of them. I'm not really sure how to explain it, I don't have any attachment to that era (I wasn't even born yet!) or the show (like it but not a huge fan). Yet, there's something about this theme song that really makes me feel nostalgic. I don't know why, but it must be doing its job!


#40-#31 coming up next time!

RATINGS RECAP: 1/21/12

ABC 
8:00 Movie: Over the Hedge
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 Betty White's 90th Birthday Special
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:30 Betty White's Off Their Rockers (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:30 Cops
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Terra Nova (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

RATINGS RECAP: 1/20/12

ABC 
8:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 A Gifted Man (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 CSI: NY (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Chuck
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Grimm
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

On Friday night, ABC had good news from season premieres of two unscripted shows - both Shark Tank and Primetime: What Would You Do? delivered solid premiere numbers and Shark Tank, specifically, did very well for 8pm. For what is likely cheap programming, ABC will certainly take numbers like these for Friday night as right now it looks stronger than two hours of the cancelled Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. At 10pm, 20/20 was stronger than usual as it was up 1.7 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. 

Over on NBC, the penultimate week for Chuck was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Grimm showed some strength as it rebounded from last week's lows and was up and nice 1.2 million viewers and four tenths in the demo. It is time for NBC to move this show to Thursday at 10pm and bench The Firm to Fridays. It's the only new show for the peacock network that has shown any promise. At 10pm, Dateline NBC was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Over on FOX, Kitchen Nightmares was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo as Shark Tank is likely a cross-appeal show. At 9pm, Fringe was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 18

GOOD WEEK: "ALCATRAZ"
FOX has been in trouble with their dramas - House is aging and could be in its final season. Fringe is as good as gone. Terra Nova had lukewarm ratings while The Finder has been a bust. Only Bones has been reliable and that's on hiatus. But they got good news on Monday night with the series premiere of spooky Alcatraz. The new series delivered 10.1 million viewers and a strong 3.3 demo but the best news was that it held up well across two hours and two different episodes. While it's too soon to call it a hit, it was a very promising start and reviews have been good. FOX could certainly use a strong new drama.

BAD WEEK: NBC
When the competition increases, NBC just wilts. Aside from positive ratings from Betty White Night, NBC is in dire straits right now. Parenthood, Law & Order: SVU, and Harry's Law are hitting new lows. The comedy hour on Wednesday looks like a bust after steep week two drops. The Thursday comedies outside of The Office are barely contending and Up All Night hasn't helped in place of Whitney. The Firm is a flat out bust. NBC just has so many holes to fix. They better hope that The Voice is everything they're hoping and Smash turns out to be, well, a smash. Otherwise, what do they have? If they can hit with The Voice and Smash, they can slowly build from there. Maybe they need to have Betty White night every week?

RATINGS RECAP: 1/19/12

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 15.8 million, 18-49 demo: 5.3
8:30 Rob
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5
9:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 14.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 14.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0

NBC
8:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:30 Up All Night
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 The Firm
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 18.0 million, 18-49 demo: 5.7
9:00 The Finder
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

On Thursday night, FOX aired night two of the new season of American Idol. While it still beat all other broadcast network shows (except in the 8pm half hour, see below), it was down significantly year-to-year and a 5.7 demo isn't towering above other shows considering several sitcoms have been above 5s for most of the year. It's still a force and will be for a long time but it's not a kill-everything-in-its-path type of show anymore. At 9pm, week two of The Finder was up 1.1 million viewers and half a demo point with a better lead-in but it still posted terrible retention. It doesn't look like the Bones spinoff will be around too long as this could be its peak number.

CBS had plenty to smile about as The Big Bang Theory not only was down just three tenths in viewers and nothing in the demo. It also beat American Idol in the half hour in the demo. What a beast this show has become on Thursday night as shows don't beat Idol often. It appears that Idol will have little to no effect on this huge hit for CBS. At 8:30pm though, week two of Rob was down 2.1 million viewers and six tenths in the demo from its premiere. While the overall numbers look good, the retention is not any better than other fillers CBS has put here. We'll have to see how it does in week three though. At 9pm, the news was good again as Person of Interest was down just half a million viewers and even in the demo from last week's series highs. This show is catching on for CBS. At 10pm, The Mentalist was up a nice half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo.

Over on ABC, Wipeout started off the night 1.2 million viewers and four tenths in the demo. This show is always one of the hardest hit by Idol with a likely similar audience. It will probably stick in these levels for the rest of its run this season. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was down 1.3 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. Private Practice followed and was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. It hit a season low in total viewers as ABC is a far cry from where it was two weeks ago against no competition. 

There was more bad news from NBC which was below a 2 all night except for The Office. At 8pm, 30 Rock was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from its season premiere last week. So basically, no improvement over Community. Though would Community have sank lower against the competition? At 8:30pm, Parks and Recreation was actually up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo which isn't a horrible performance, all things considered. At 9pm, The Office was up a tenth in viewers and the demo, cracking a rare 3 demo for a scripted NBC show. Up All Night followed and was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It's surprising that this is no better than Whitney as a companion for The Office. Finally, The Firm was down another eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It finished an embarrassing eighth in the time period when you consider cable.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/18/12

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
8:30 Suburgatory
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1
9:30 Happy Endings
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 Revenge
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Are You There, Chelsea?
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Harry's Law
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 21.9 million, 18-49 demo: 7.4

Hurricane American Idol returned to the broadcast networks on Wednesday night, causing havoc on the rest of the night. Though Idol experienced its biggest year-to-year drop ever for premieres, I wouldn't panic if I was FOX for a couple reasons. First of all, it still dominates anything on the broadcast networks outside of football. Secondly, last year's premiere numbers were inflated thanks to curiosity for the changes of judges that occurred. Thirdly, all reality shows have been down and this is still the crown jewel of them. So, even though the drop is strong and other shows can survive against it, it's still a force to be reckoned with and will continue to be.

CBS aired new episodes of their crime dramas for the first time since December 14. Criminal Minds was up a tenth in viewers and down two tenths in the demo for a season low. It certainly could have been affected by Idol. At 10pm, CSI was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It should be able to go up next week for Marg Helgenberger's final episode.

ABC was certainly affected by Idol - particularly the 8pm hour where The Middle was down 1.4 million viewers and four tenths in the demo and Suburgatory was down 1.7 million viewers and also four tenths in the demo. Both shows tied lows in the demo for the season with their Thanksgiving Eve performances. At 9pm, Modern Family held up very well against fierce competition as it was down just two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Happy Endings followed and was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season low in total viewers. At 10pm, Revenge didn't have to deal with Idol and was up a tenth in viewers and the demo despite increased competition from CBS. This show has broken the curse of ABC's Wednesday 10pm slot.

Poor NBC was hit the hardest with the onslaught of competition (as usual). After ok debuts last week, the "happy hour" of comedies tumbled in a big way. Whitney was down 1.6 million viewers and four tenths in the demo while week two of Are You There, Chelsea? was down a whopping 2 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. Whitney will not be a hit no matter how hard NBC tries and this is a terrible week two drop for Chelsea even with American Idol being considered. At 9pm, Harry's Law was down 2 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. Though it's total viewers is not bad for NBC, a 1.1 demo isn't going to cut it. We'll see how it does on Sunday. At 10pm, Law & Order: SVU fell 2 million viewers and two tenths in the demo for series lows. NBC is such a mess.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/17/12

ABC
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
8:30 Last Man Standing (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Celebrity Wife Swap
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Body of Proof
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Unforgettable (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:30 Raising Hope
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

On Tuesday night, FOX's comedy lineup returned pretty strong in their first new airings since December 13. At 8pm, Glee was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show doesn't seem to be ebbing as quickly at this point, it will be interesting to see how it holds up over the spring. At 9pm, New Girl was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show skews so young. Finally, Raising Hope was dead even in viewers and the demo despite the other shows being up. This is another show that will be interesting to monitor though I think FOX will keep it.

Over on ABC, Last Man Standing started off the night up a strong million viewers and half a demo point from last week's lows. This was a great rebound for a show that still hasn't found a companion. A repeat at 8:30pm did way better than Work It last week. Cougar Town will get its chance in this slot starting on Valentine's Day. At 9pm, Celebrity Wife Swap was up six tenths in viewers and even in the demo. With these decent numbers, ABC will likely use it as filler again down the road. At 10pm, Body of Proof  was up a million viewers but even in the demo. It really should have been up more with Parenthood faltering and Unforgettable in repeats. I don't see this show getting a third season. Over on NBC, The Biggest Loser started off the night even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. Parenthood was up three tenths in viewers but even in the demo. Though it did win the hour in the demo, it was with a weak 1.7. It will be interesting to see what NBC does here. 

RATINGS RECAP: 1/16/12

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 Betty White's 90th Birthday Celebration
Viewers: 13.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:30 Betty White's Off Their Rockers
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Alcatraz
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

Despite a strong debut for a new series on FOX and better than usual numbers for NBC, CBS still ruled the roost on Monday night. How I Met Your Mother was the biggest mover as it was even in viewers but up a big half a demo point. At 8:30pm, 2 Broke Girls was down seven tenths in viewers but up two tenths in the demo. It's odd with mixed directions like that but the big news is that it tied Two and a Half Men for best demo of the night. While Men is sliding a bit, Girls is just such a breakout hit. At 9pm, Men was down nine tenths in viewers for a series low but up a tenth in the demo. Mike & Molly was down eight tenths in viewers and even in the demo. The comedies all skewed younger this week. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down 1.2 million viewers and a tenth in the demo.

FOX aired the two hour premiere (two episodes) of Alcatraz which got off to a great start. It eclipsed the premiere of Terra Nova back in September and held up really well over the two hours. Critical reception has been strong for Alcatraz so FOX has to be hoping that this can be a hit considering there's a lot up in the air with their current slate of dramas. It will be interesting to see how it holds up next week in its regular timeslot - at 9pm following the relocated House.

NBC got great mileage from "Betty White Night" as her birthday celebration and a sneak preview of Off Their Rockers easily topped anything NBC has done on Mondays and this was against strong competition. It even helped Rock Center with Brian Williams which was up 2.6 million viewers and six tenths in the demo for a series high. NBC should find a spot for Off Their Rockers quickly as there is clearly viewer interest and Betty White is fresh on the mind of viewers. Over on ABC, The Bachelor was up a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo showing a little bit of growth, which is good after last week's series lows. At 10pm, Castle was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

RATINGS RECAP: 1/15/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Pan Am
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 dmo: 3.0
9:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
10:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
7:00 Golden Globe Arrivals
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:00 Golden Globe Awards
Viewers: 16.9 million, 18-49 demo: 5.0

FOX
7:00 NFL Playoffs/Postgame
Viewers: 45.1 million, 18-49 demo: 15.8
8:10 The Simpsons
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 5.4
8:40 Napoleon Dynamite
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
9:10 Family Guy
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
9:40 Napoleon Dynamite
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

On Sunday night, NBC aired the Golden Globe Awards to strong numbers, particularly for NBC, though the show was down just a hair from last year's telecast. FOX started with mammoth numbers for the Giants/Packers playoff game. It pushed the start of the cartoons back about 10 minutes but NBC got good mileage from them with the huge lead-in. The Simpsons was up a ridiculous 6.4 million viewers and 2.1 demo points for a season high. If only it could follow NFL playoff games every week. The series premiere of Napoleon Dynamite followed and delivered very solid numbers, similar to Bob's Burgers a year ago. Future episode results will be much more telling as we really can't analyze much from the football fueled numbers. Family Guy followed and was also up big - 2.1 million viewers and 1.3 demo points. A second Napoleon Dynamite followed and was the weakest of the block but not terrible. Again, wait and see with this one.

CBS was new from 7-10pm. At 7pm, 60 Minutes tumbled big time from last week's NFL-fueled lead-in. Its number in the spring will likely be a little higher than this but not anywhere near its totals from last week. At 8pm was the season premiere of Undercover Boss. The former huge hit returned to decent numbers - above where it ended last season but below where it was during its very successful first season. CBS will move this show to Fridays in a couple weeks and I think that's a smart move because this show's novelty has worn off and it's likely to go down from here. At 9pm, The Good Wife was down a huge 2.2 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo. Last week's numbers were certainly inflated but this is still a rough drop.

Elsewhere, ABC took a hit against the increased competition. America's Funniest Home Videos was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a season low. Once Upon a Time was down six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo but it really had a nice hold considering the competition from FOX and NBC. This show continues to surprise, who would have thought it would be above a 3 come January? At 9pm, Desperate Housewives was down nine tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. The viewer total is a series low while the demo ties a series low. This show isn't showing a sign of building towards its series finale yet. At 10pm, Pan Am was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a terrible series low. Only a few more weeks for this show because it is certainly not coming back. 

PILOT REVIEW: Alcatraz

ALCATRAZ

Starring: Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia, Jonny Coyne, Parminder Nagra, Santiago Cabrera, Jason Butler Harner, with Robert Forster, and Sam Neill

Created by Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, and Bryan Wynbrandt
Written by Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt, and Elizabeth Sarnoff, Directed by Danny Cannon

Alcatraz is a new drama from JJ Abrams that puts a twist on the historical event of famed prison Alcatraz's closing. The show begins with the explanation from government agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill) that all the prisoners were transferred when Alcatraz closed in 1963, though that is not what really happened. In actuality, they disappeared and are only now beginning to come back, as youthful as they were in 1963. Joining Hauser is a San Francisco police detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones), whose grandfather was an inmate that she came face to face with. She also enlists Dr. Diego Soto (Jorge Garcia), an Alcatraz expert, to help her. The show flips back and forth in time between the early 1960s and present day.

THE GOOD: There's a lot to like about this mysterious show which is just starting to scratch the surface. The pilot was dark, chilling, and very compelling. The performances are good across the board but Sam Neill is a standout as the mysterious Emerson Hauser. It's hard to tell if he is trustworthy and I'm sure the writers have big plans for his character. The pilot did a masterful job of telling the story - beginning with an explanation that left the viewer with several questions and then unwrapping the story only to come back to the description at the end, which made a lot more sense by that point. The connection to Madsen's grandfather and the role that played in an otherwise out-of-place chase scene was really interesting because I was wondering all episode what the point was. It's a show that has set up a really good mythology and left it open enough to explore many different directions.

THE BAD: There really wasn't too much I didn't like here. I think it needs to be careful to not time jump too often and there were a few parts that felt like they dragged, but that is nitpicking. The bigger challenge will be where to go from here. The second episode that immediately followed the pilot was promising but how will this look over a season or many seasons? Shows like this need to be careful to not get too convoluted in their story. This show needs to make sure it stays focused and doesn't go down side roads that aren't necessary.

BOTTOM LINE: Every year since Lost there has been a couple shows per year that are high-concept, big time shows. Most of them flop (like The Event last year) because they get ridiculous and pale in comparison to Lost. This show has a real chance to be great if it can stay away from the common pratfalls. Let's hope an audience gives them a chance to do just that.