RATINGS RECAP: 11/28/12

ABC
8:00 A Charlie Brown Christmas
Viewers: 8.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.7
9:30 Suburgatory
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Nashville
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 12.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

NBC
8:00 Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Viewers: 9.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 SNL Christmas
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 

FOX 
8:00 The X Factor
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

Christmas specials were a big part of Wednesday night and did well as they did on Tuesday. On ABC, the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas did well as usual. It's amazing that a special from decades ago that is so readily available anywhere at any time still pulls such great live numbers. At 9pm, Modern Family was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. Suburgatory followed and was down four tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. Retention isn't nearly as strong as I thought it would be and this seemed like a much stronger show when it was at 8:30pm. At 10pm, Nashville was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. NBC got good mileage out of its annual Rockefeller Center and SNL Christmas specials.

On CBS, everything was up from last week's Thanksgiving Eve airings. Survivor was up a million viewers and four tenths in the demo. Criminal Minds was up nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This show is quietly not doing nearly as well this year. At 10pm, CSI was up 1.3 million viewers and two tenths in the demo, tying a season high. This show continues to shine at 10pm and is in many ways, CBS's strongest show on the night even with lower raw numbers. The X Factor was up nine tenths in viewers and seven tenths in the demo from the Thanksgiving Eve numbers.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/27/12

ABC
8:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Shrek the Halls
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 16.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 14.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 Vegas
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
9:00 Go On
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:30 The New Normal
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

FOX
8:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Ben and Kate
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:30 The Mindy Project
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

The upward trend from Monday continued for most shows on Tuesday night. ABC had holiday specials at 8pm and the newer Shrek the Halls actually out-rated the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. At 9pm, the season finale of a down year for Dancing with the Stars was up 3.7 million viewers and a full tenth in the demo for an easy season high though the finale was down big year-to-year. This show needs a rest but it looks like ABC will go forward with a 16th edition in March.

On CBS, NCIS benefited in a big way from not competing with another older skewing favorite - Dancing with the Stars. It was up 3.3 million viewers and a huge six tenths in the demo for its best performance since October 2. NCIS: Los Angeles did not benefit much from the much better lead-in as it was down six tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Vegas had to face the final hour of Dancing and it felt the effects as it was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo.

NBC's entire lineup was up week to week despite tougher competition on ABC. At 8pm, The Voice was up 2.1 million viewers and four tenths in the demo as it didn't have to face Dancing with the Stars. At 9pm, Go On was up a tenth in viewers and four tenths in the demo for its best performance since October 9. The New Normal was down three tenths in viewers but up two tenths in the demo. This show really isn't working here. At 10pm, Parenthood was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo.  

FOX was up too but the numbers were still bad. At 8pm, Raising Hope was up three tenths in viewers and the demo, tying a season high. At 8:30pm, Ben and Kate was up four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. New Girl followed and was even in viewers but up three tenths in the demo. It couldn't beat Go On however in the 9pm comedy battle. At 9:30pm, The Mindy Project was up two tenths in viewers and the demo. In many ways, the seeming DOA Ben and Kate is actually doing better than The Mindy Project and its better lead-in.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/26/12

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 16.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers; 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
8:30 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 11.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 12.2 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
10:00 Revolution
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

FOX8:00 Bones
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 The Mob Doctor
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

It was a good night for the broadcast networks as every show was up from their last episode. On CBS, a repeat of The Big Bang Theory in the old Partners time slot seemed to propel the entire night upward and it got amazing numbers for a repeat. To start the night off, How I Met Your Mother was up 1.2 million viewers and four tenths in the demo for its best numbers since October 1. The three shows that followed the Big Bang repeat hit season highs as 2 Broke Girls and Mike & Molly were both up a big 2 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was up 1.3 million viewers and a tenth in the demo.

Over on NBC, The Voice was up 1.6 million viewers and half a demo point. I'm not sure how to explain each show being up week to week but it's a good thing for the broadcast networks. The fall finale of Revolution followed and it was up 1.5 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for its best performance since October 25. This is ending the fall run on a good note but how will things go when it comes back on March 25? Will it survive and thrive because it will have The Voice as a lead-in again or will it go the way of shows like FlashForward and The Event? It will be very interesting to see. 

Over on ABC, the final performance night of Dancing with the Stars was up 2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for an easy Monday high. Specials of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition did very little at 9pm & 10pm showing that ABC made a good choice in cancelling this show. Finally FOX kept the good news coming as Bones was up nine tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo for a season high and The Mob Doctor was up eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for its best number since the second episode.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/25/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Revenge
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 666 Park Avenue
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:00 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 12.8 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
8:30 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 20.9 million, 18-49 demo: 7.6

FOX
7:00 NFL Overrun/The OT
Viewers: 24.9 million, 18-49 demo: 8.5
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 

Sunday night brought some return to normalcy after the Thanksgiving holiday. On ABC, America's Funniest Home Videos was down half a million viewers and even in the demo. Once Upon a Time recovered nicely from its odd drop in its last airing as it was even in viewers but up four tenths in the demo. Bad news came at 9pm though where Revenge was down eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a season low despite the lead in being up nicely. This is a rough drop for the show and sort of defies explanation just like Once two weeks ago. At 10pm, the cancelled 666 Park Avenue was even in viewers and the demo.

CBS didn't have a football overrun so numbers were close to two weeks ago. At 7pm, 60 Minutes was of course down big from its football-fueled lead-in last week. At 8pm, The Amazing Race was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. At 9pm, The Good Wife was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season low. This show seems to be getting on shakier and shakier ground despite the critical acclaim. At 10pm, The Mentalist was up a big 2.1 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week when it started at 10:53pm.

On NBC, a Giants blowout win was up seven tenths in the demo from last week's Steelers-Ravens game. On FOX, an NFL lead-in boosted the animated lineup as The Simpsons was up a big 2.4 million viewers and nine tenths in the demo, Bob's Burgers was up eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, and Family Guy was up seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. However, a special airing of The Cleveland Show at 9:30pm disappointed and was down from last week's American Dad! despite a better lead-in.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/24/12

ABC 
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 16.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1

CBS
8:00 Made in Jersey
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
9:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
10:00 48 Hours
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
8:00 Movie: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX 
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

RATINGS RECAP: 11/23/12

ABC 
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Malibu Country
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 Frosty the Snowman
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 Frosty Returns
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:30 It's a Spongebob Christmas
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Person to Person
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
8:00 National Dog Show
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

IN MEMORIAM: Larry Hagman, 1931-2012

The versatile and talented Larry Hagman died today at the age of 81 from throat cancer. Hagman was the son of famed actress  Mary Martin and had a long and very successful career in television. He was first known as Major Anthony Nelson, the harried and manic master of Jeannie on the classic 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. The show was never a major hit in its day but has lived on for decades in syndication. For a lot of people, that could be their best known role but Hagman became iconic as the sinister oilman JR Ewing on the long running primetime soap Dallas from 1978-1991. Hagman's portrayal of JR is one of the most memorable roles of all time and his hard living during that era only further added to the legend.

Hagman had a couple unsuccessful series too including the sitcom Here We Go Again (1973) and drama Orleans (1997) but he came back to the forefront of pop culture just this year in TNT's highly praised reboot of Dallas where he put the cowboy hat back on as JR. Hagman was widely praised in this revival and was in the middle of filming the second season when he died.

To see my Weekend Rewind on I Dream of Jeannie from March 2011, click here.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/22/12

ABC  
8:00 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:30 Bad 25
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Thursday Night Football
Viewers: 19.2 million, 18-49 demo: 7.2

FOX
8:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 17.9 million, 18-49 demo: 6.0
8:17 The X Factor
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:17 Glee
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

RATINGS RECAP: 11/21/12

ABC  
8:00 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:30 Suburgatory (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

NBC
8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 Guys with Kids
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Chicago Fire
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX 
8:00 The X Factor
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

RATINGS RECAP: 11/20/12

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Happy Endings
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:30 Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 NCIS 
Viewers: 16.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 15.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:00 Vegas
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:00 Go On
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:30 The New Normal
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 

FOX
8:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Ben and Kate
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:30 The Mindy Project
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

It was another rough Tuesday for the broadcast networks. Maybe some of it can be chalked up to Thanksgiving week but this is also just a weak night for the broadcast networks. ABC started with Dancing with the Stars which was one of the few shows to go up, it was up nine tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo ahead of next week's finale. At 9pm though, Happy Endings was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo to a very low 1.1 while Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 was even worse. It was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo to a terrible 0.9. I'm not a fan of quick hooks usually but ABC needs to pull this lineup. At 10pm, Private Practice was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's series low. 

Over on CBS, NCIS started off the night down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season low. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was down seven tenths in viewers but even in the demo. Its retention from its parent show has been especially strong lately. Maybe CBS will finally trust it on its own next season? At 10pm, Vegas was down three tenths in viewers but up two tenths in the demo for its best demo performance since October 9. This is a positive sign for a show that has been skewing older and older and saw its episode order trimmed by one. It won its timeslot among the broadcast networks for the first time in weeks.

NBC was down across the board. At 8pm, The Voice took a severe drop like it did on Monday as it was down 1.7 million viewers and half a demo point for a Tuesday season low. At 9pm, Go On was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. While tying a series low, the retention out of The Voice was much better this week so that's a positive note. At 9:30pm, The New Normal was down four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. This is doing worse than some of NBC's troubled Thursday sitcoms. At 10pm, Parenthood did not win the hour again as it dropped two tenths in viewers and the demo.

FOX's comedy lineup was down nearly across the board as well as this lineup is really suffering. At 8pm, Raising Hope was down a tenth in viewers and the demo for season lows. At 8:30pm, Ben and Kate was dead even with last week. It was the only show in the bunch not to drop but the numbers are horrible. At 9pm, New Girl dropped three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo to a series low. Perhaps the worst news came at 9:30pm where The Mindy Project fell six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. So, yes, both of FOX's new comedies are below 3 million viewers and a 1.4 demo. Yikes, even just a couple years ago those would have been instant cancellation numbers.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/19/12

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 14.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7
10:00 Revolution
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

FOX
8:00 Bones
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 The Mob Doctor
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

On Monday night, CBS had its first Monday without the cancelled Partners but it didn't make much of a difference. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. A repeat of Two and a Half Men was up from Partners' numbers last week. It did slightly help 2 Broke Girls which was up eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for its best numbers since October 15. At 9:30pm, Mike & Molly was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was up a million viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season high. Of course a 2.2 demo is low compared to last year but it has slowly been recovering its audience from the 1.8 season premiere demo. 

NBC saw a dramatic fall for The Voice which was down a million viewers and seven tenths in the demo for a season low on Monday. Like past years, it seems as though the actual "competition" once the blind auditions, battle rounds, etc are over means lower ratings. There was better news at 10pm though where Revolution was down a tenth in viewers but even in the demo despite a much lower lead-in. On ABC, both shows were up as Dancing with the Stars was up half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo in its penultimate week. At 10pm, Castle was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. All three 10pm dramas were at least a 2.0 demo this week for the first time in awhile. On FOX, Bones was up a tenth in viewers and the demo while The Mob Doctor was up the same.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/18/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 40th Annual American Music Awards
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4

CBS
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 23.7 million, 18-49 demo: 8.0
7:53 60 Minutes
Viewers: 14.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
8:53 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:53 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:53 The Mentalist
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
8:30 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 18.2 million, 18-49 demo: 6.9

FOX7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
7:30 The Cleveland Show 
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

Sunday night brought a long but powerful NFL overrun on CBS. It led to each of the regular shows not starting till 53 minutes into the hour. 60 Minutes was up 2.6 million viewers and 1.4 demo points with the big lead-in. The Amazing Race was up four tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. The Good Wife was up nine tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It seems to be consistent no matter when in the hour it starts. The Mentalist was the hardest hit of course as it didn't start until 10:53pm on the east coast. It was down 2.1 million viewers and half a demo point from when it started at 10pm last week. Over on ABC, America's Funniest Home Videos was up a million viewers and two tenths in the demo but the American Music Awards were down big year-to-year though up from ABC's usual Sunday numbers.

On NBC, a Steelers-Ravens matchup was strong but delivered the lowest numbers for Sunday Night Football since Steelers-Bengals on October 21. FOX didn't have an NFL overrun so numbers were down big from last week especially for the first couple shows. But first at 7:30pm, The Cleveland Show was down seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from the last time it aired two weeks ago. At 8pm, The Simpsons was down a big 1.8 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo from last week when it had a direct NFL lead-in. Bob's Burgers was down a million viewers and six tenths in the demo. Family Guy was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week's 9pm episode while American Dad! was actually up two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from the last time it aired two weeks ago.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/17/12

ABC 
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

CBS
8:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 48 Hours
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 Revolution (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Chicago Fire (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 

RATINGS RECAP: 11/16/12

ABC 
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Malibu Country
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 CSI: NY
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 

NBC
8:00 Go On (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 Guys with Kids (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Grimm
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

Friday night brought low ratings for every network as nothing managed to crack a 2 demo. ABC's sitcoms continued to fall in week three as Last Man Standing was down three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo while Malibu Country was down six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. Malibu Country has now dropped nine tenths in the demo in just three weeks which is really troubling. The total viewer count is still good but it looks like the premiere numbers were quite the mirage. At 9pm, Shark Tank was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo while 20/20 closed out the night up a million viewers but down two tenths in the demo. 

Over on CBS, Undercover Boss was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. CSI: NY was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. A tribute to Whitney Houston pulled a similar demo to the usual occupant, Blue Bloods. On NBC, Grimm was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Dateline NBC was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. And finally on FOX, Kitchen Nightmares was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while Fringe was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: 2012-13 Week 8

GOOD WEEK: "THE BIG BANG THEORY"
For the second time in three weeks, I have to give the honors to TV's top show because it just keeps rising and doing the unthinkable in an era where nearly every show is seeing drops year to year. This past Thursday, Big Bang soared to a series high with over 17 million viewers and a 5.7 demo. When DVR gains are added, it goes over 20 million viewers. In an era where the audience is so fractured, this is the biggest hit on TV and it has become appointment viewing on Thursday at 8pm in the same way The Cosby Show and Friends were in years past. I don't get the appeal of this show but clearly I'm in the minority. Too bad TV doesn't have more mass hits like this right now.

BAD WEEK: ABC'S TUESDAY COMEDY BLOCK
There were plenty of candidates for this slot but the single lowest comedy block on TV right now is not NBC Thursdays at 8pm or Wednesdays at 8pm, it is Tuesdays at 9pm on ABC. The pairing of Happy Endings and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 got off to a rough start on Oct 23. Then a week later they took big drops to a 1.4 and 1.2 demo respectively. Some blamed it on Hurricane Sandy preemptions and issues but the excuses were done this week when they dropped to a 1.3 and 1.1. This lineup isn't working at all and there's no sign that it's going to get better. ABC seems committed to Happy Endings but they really should drop both shows. They don't fit in with the family themed comedies on Wednesdays and Fridays and they clearly can't survive on Tuesdays.

CANCELLATION ALERT: Partners, Last Resort, 666 Park Avenue

It was Black Friday for the freshman shows as three newbies got the ax - CBS's comedy Partners and ABC's dramas Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue.

Partners became the second cancellation from CBS this year after Made in Jersey which is not good for them (by comparison, they gave a renewal or additional to episodes to all their fall freshmen two years ago). Partners has been a big problem in CBS's slipping Monday lineup. It struggled with a decent lead-in from How I Met Your Mother and many thought it might be bringing down 2 Broke Girls at 9pm, which is one of CBS's top comedy priorities. Partners will be yanked immediately and reruns will air in its place though the slot is eventually likely to go to Rules of Engagement or the new Friend Me.

ABC cancelled the critically acclaimed but low rated Last Resort. Airing in a slot that has doomed FlashForward, The Deep End, My Generation, Charlie's Angels, and Missing in recent years, Last Resort got off to a decent start with a 2.2 demo but the dropping started immediately and this week it was all the way down to a 1.2 demo. The serialized nature of the show made it hard for new viewers to catch on and some viewers, like me, got bored after a couple episodes and gave up despite the excellent pilot. ABC has said they will air all 13 episodes for fans who want to see it through.

An even more unsurprising cancellation came from 666 Park Avenue. The show was the third of ABC's night of Sunday dramas after second year hits Once Upon a Time and Revenge but it had a low 2.1 premiere (lower than Last Resort and with a 3.2 demo lead-in from Revenge). It dropped from there and pretty soon became a dead show walking. Despite the star power of some popular ABC stars from the past like Terry O'Quinn and Vanessa Williams, the show couldn't really be "scary" and viewers didn't seem to care much for the campy show.

These three shows join Made in Jersey and Animal Practice on the cancellation list. With many shows having additional episodes or full seasons, the only freshmen that haven't gotten some type of extension or a cancellation are Malibu Country, which is likely to get some type of extension, and The Mob Doctor, which will certainly be yanked after the 13 episodes air.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/15/12

ABC
8:00 Last Resort
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 Scandal
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 17.6 million, 18-49 demo: 5.7
8:30 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 13.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
9:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 14.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 Elementary
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
8:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Up All Night
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 The X Factor
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Glee
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 

In a year where broadcast TV is suffering, The Big Bang Theory is doing the unthinkable. It was up a stunning million viewers and six tenths in the demo to series highs. After starting the season close to Modern Family in the ratings, it has moved into its own league. No other show is doing anything like this on TV and it seems very possible that it could continue to go higher this weekend. The halo effect continued through the night as every CBS show was up. At 8:30pm, Two and a Half Men was down two tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo for a season high. Person of Interest was down three tenths in viewers but up two tenths in the demo for a season high as it nearly tied Grey's Anatomy in the demo category. At 10pm, Elementary was down a tenth in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. 

Over on ABC, the now cancelled Last Resort was down three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. The drop to a series low in the demo was probably the final nail in the coffin for this show. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo but still managed to narrowly win the hour. At 10pm, Scandal was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. This show seems to always go up when Grey's goes down and vice-versa. It seems like it has its own audience away from Grey's.

On FOX, The X Factor was up 1.2 million viewers and a tenth in the demo without competition from The Voice but Glee was down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low despite the publicized "Grease" episode. This show is on its last legs. NBC was bringing up the rear on Thursday as usual. The 8pm comedies returned after two weeks off. 30 Rock was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Up All Night was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. At 9pm, The Office was down six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week when it followed an episode of The Voice. However, Parks and Recreation was unaffected by the lower lead-in as it was dead even with last week. At 10pm, Rock Center with Brian Williams was up a tenth in viewers and the demo.  

RATINGS RECAP: 11/14/12

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
8:30 The Neighbors
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6
9:30 Suburgatory
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Nashville
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 12.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 11.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

NBC
8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Guys with Kids
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Chicago Fire
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 The X Factor
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9 

It was another iffy night for broadcast TV in the midst of November sweeps. NBC had the second season premiere of Whitney which got a timeslot upgrade when Animal Practice was cancelled. Though it posted better numbers than Animal, it did not do well as it tied its series low from last year's ho-hum ratings. Very few thought it would do very well but it should have been able to at least match the 1.6 its season finale got. The multi-cam lead-in didn't help Guys with Kids much as it was up three tenths in viewers but even in the demo from the last airing. At 9pm, Law & Order: SVU was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Chicago Fire came back to earth in a big way after The Voice lead-in last week. It was down 1.2 million viewers and six tenths in the demo as it looks like The Voice viewers didn't like what they saw.

ABC was down across the board after rising across the board last week. At 8pm, The Middle was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo as it had the smallest week to week drop. At 8:30pm, The Neighbors dropped a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo, tying a series low. Considering how the Tuesday comedies are doing though, this show is doing just fine. At 9pm, Modern Family was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo while Suburgatory was hit the hardest as it was down half a million viewers and a big half a demo point. At 10pm, Nashville was down two tenths in viewers and the demo, tying a series low on the heels of its full season renewal. 

On CBS, Survivor started off down two tenths in viewers and the demo. Criminal Minds was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. CSI was one of the few shows to rise as it was up seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Against the new dramas on ABC and NBC, CSI has emerged as a clear and consistent ratings winner in this hour. FOX aired The X Factor and without competing against The Voice, it was up 1.2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for its best Wednesday showing since October 10.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/13/12

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 12.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Happy Endings
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:30 Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 17.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 15.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:00 Vegas
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:00 Go On
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 The New Normal
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

FOX
8:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Ben and Kate
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 The Mindy Project
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
 

After a week off from regular programming due to the elections, the networks were back with their lineups but it was not a very promising night. On CBS, NCIS was down 1.7 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a season low. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was down half a million viewers and even in the demo, showing better retention than usual. With another NCIS spinoff in the works, will CBS go to three hours of this franchise on Tuesdays next season? At 10pm, Vegas was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show continues to skew incredibly old but they total viewer count and upscale viewing audience will help it get by for awhile. 

It was a disastrous evening for ABC. It wasn't that bad comparatively for Dancing with the Stars which was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. But the rest of the night was a complete mess. Happy Endings was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo while Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for series lows. This is down from ratings on a night right after Hurricane Sandy hit. What a terrible showing and ABC is in a real bind with these ratings. I don't know what they will do but they should cancel Apartment because that show is getting no traction. They seem more committed to Happy Endings but if Apartment gets cancelled, it won't fit anywhere with ABC's family friendly sitcoms. At 10pm, Private Practice was down nine tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a terrible series low. With the horrible lead-ins, it is really limping towards its series finale in early 2013. 

On NBC, The Voice started off down nine tenths in viewers and seven tenths in the demo from its two hour airing two weeks ago. While it's a big drop, I don't think it's a bad showing because this was the first real "results" show and those are always lower for any show like this. At 9pm, the comedies were back for the first time in three weeks. Go On was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo while The New Normal was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. How will these shows do when The Voice is no longer the lead-in? At 10pm, Parenthood was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, winning the hour among the broadcast networks again. I wonder if NBC is wishing they ordered a full season of this. 

It was a pretty bad outing for FOX as well as this comedy lineup is not getting anywhere. At 8pm, Raising Hope was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 8:30pm, Ben and Kate was down a big six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. This show just isn't going to work for FOX but their comedy bench is really think. At 9pm, New Girl was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season low. It look like Hurricane Sandy wasn't much of a factor with so many shows down again. At 9:30pm, The Mindy Project was the only show to rise as it was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. So to sum up, 10 out of 15 shows on the big four broadcast networks were below a 2 in the demo on Tuesday night. Yikes.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/12/12

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 13.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
8:30 Partners
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 8.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4
10:00 Revolution
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

FOX
8:00 Bones
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 The Mob Doctor
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 

On Monday night, NBC had mixed results. The good news came at 8pm where the first Top 12 performance show of The Voice was down just three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Last year, The Voice had a long steady drop over the course of the season but this year, it is holding much better. The demo is actually the exact same as premiere week. The not as good news came at 10pm where Revolution was down two tenths in viewers and the demo for another series low. After staying remarkably high for the first part of fall, Revolution is showing some troubling signs as it has dropped significantly in recent weeks. NBC has only a couple more weeks of this before it goes on a long hiatus and maybe that's actually a good thing if this is the direction it is headed.

On CBS, How I Met Your Mother was up eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, rebounding some from its troubling drop last week. The worst performance came from Partners which dropped two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low even with the lead-in up. After a couple weeks of steady or upward ratings, this showing is a reminder that Partners is not here to stay. At 9pm, 2 Broke Girls was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. The best news probably came from Mike & Molly which was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, showing great retention and actually out-gaining 2 Broke Girls in total viewers. That may be more of a problem for Girls than a great thing for Mike & Molly but it's still worth noting. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo.

ABC's lineup was very steady week-to-week as Dancing with the Stars was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Castle was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, landing it in third in the latter category yet again. On FOX, Bones was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, tying a series low in the demo. The Mob Doctor was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. Remind me why this is still on?

RATINGS RECAP: 11/11/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 Revenge
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 666 Park Avenue
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:00 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 20.9 million, 18-49 demo: 7.9

FOX
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 24.3 million, 18-49 demo: 8.7
8:20 The Simpsons
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
8:50 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:20 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:50 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

On Sunday night, ABC had a rough go of it as all three dramas hit season lows following America's Funniest Home Videos, which dropped nine tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. The worst news came at 8pm though where Once Upon a Time tumbled 1.4 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo for a series low. I have no idea how to explain this mammoth drop at a time of year where shows often rise. This is a real troubling result but we'll see next week if it was a fluke or not. At 9pm, Revenge was down two tenths in viewers and the demo. It hit a season low but had better retention out of Once than usual. Finally at 10pm, 666 Park Avenue was down a tenth in viewers and the demo for a series low. This is a dead show walking. 

CBS did not have a direct football lead-in which of course meant a huge drop for 60 Minutes - it was down 4.9 million viewers and 1.8 demo points but it's really comparing apples and oranges. At 8pm, The Amazing Race was down a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. The Good Wife followed and was down nine tenths in viewers but even in the demo. Only The Mentalist was up as it benefited from not starting at 10:30pm. It was up 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. Why CBS won't flip this show and The Good Wife, I have no idea. It seems like it could do way better at 9pm and I don't think The Good Wife would do much worse at 10pm. 

NBC's football showdown between the 7-1 Texans and 7-1 Bears was down slightly from  last week's Cowboys-Falcons matchup. FOX had big numbers from a very long NFL overrun (thanks to a tie in 49ers-Rams). That of course helped The Simpsons which was up 1.4 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. Bob's Burgers was also up a million viewers and six tenths in the demo. The halo effect didn't extend to Family Guy's two episodes. The first was up only slightly from last week while the second was down from last week. This show is suffering this year after being a big demo performer even as the animated lineup was suffering last year.

FULL SEASON ALERT: Nashville

As ABC makes its midseason plans, a second freshman show - the soap Nashville was given a full season. One of the most critically acclaimed new shows heading into the season, Nashville was the last of ABC's three dramas to premiere and the most anticipated. It premiered with a good but underwhelming 2.8 demo but then took a real troubling drop to a 2.0 in its second week. Since then, however, it has hovered right around that mark. Though critics haven't been as kind to subsequent episodes as the pilot, it does have a solid fan base and crossover appeal with original country songs that can be downloaded. This is no surprise as ABC was always very likely to give a full season to a show with this much buzz and pedigree.

With this move, Nashville joins The Neighbors on the full season list for ABC. The fate of the other new ABC dramas - Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue have not learned their fates but both are struggling in the ratings. I think ABC is more likely to give Last Resort a few more episodes. The last fall freshman for ABC - Malibu Country - has only aired two episodes but already received an additional script order.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/10/12

ABC 
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

CBS
8:00 Vegas (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 48 Hours
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 Revolution (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Chicago Fire (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: 2012-13 Week 7

GOOD WEEK: WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
It has been a rough fall for broadcast networks as the networks started out down big year to year and then regularly dropped from there. But nearly everything was up on Wednesday night this week. Some of that might be due to it being Halloween last week but some shows were up even from the week before as ABC's 8pm comedies had their best numbers since the premieres, Suburgatory had a season high, and Chicago Fire had a series high. A special airing of NBC's The Voice helped their network but it will be interesting to see how things go for them in the 8pm hour this week when Whitney joins the lineup.

BAD WEEK: "HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER"

I was tempted to say Republicans this week, but I went with CBS's lead-off show on their troubled Monday lineup. This week, How I Met Your Mother dipped to a 2.8 demo which is their lowest number since May 9, 2011. This entire lineup, which was so powerful last season, is faltering badly and it will get worse if Mother can't be a competitive lead-in during the hour. I'm not really sure what CBS can do with this night. I wouldn't move Two and a Half Men back but it seems like they need to do something and their bench is thin.

RATINGS RECAP: 11/9/12

ABC 
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Malibu Country
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 CSI: NY
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

NBC
8:00 Go On (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:30 Guys with Kids (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Grimm
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX 
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

On Friday night, ABC stayed on top but saw drops from last week. At 8pm, Last Man Standing was down seven tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere while Malibu Country was down a big 1.8 million viewers and six tenths in the demo from its series premiere last week. This is one of the bigger second week drops of any new show this year which isn't a promising sign. These numbers are still acceptable for Friday nights but ABC has to be disappointed by the big drops week to week. At 9pm, Shark Tank was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's series high. 20/20 closed out the night down half a million viewers but up a tenth in the demo.

CBS had great results as 8pm as Undercover Boss was up a million viewers and a big four tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere. It was able to benefit from less sampling of ABC's sitcoms and repeats instead of a Hurricane Sandy telethon on NBC. At 9pm, CSI: NY was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo but Blue Bloods was up two tenths in viewers and the demo. I think a 1.5 demo is acceptable for this slot and this show but a 1.3 demo like it had last week is not.

On NBC, Grimm was down four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. This show could do better with a better lead-in at 8pm as it proved with Mockingbird Lane two weeks ago. At 10pm, Dateline NBC was up nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. On FOX, Kitchen Nightmares was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a season high while Fringe was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo.