RENEWAL ALERT: Under the Dome

CBS's summer smash Under the Dome has been renewed for a second season with plans for it to air in Summer 2014. The show has been unlike any other summer scripted show in recent memory. It debuted to huge numbers in June and has only mildly leveled off since then, regularly pulling around a 2.8 in the demo which would be great for any network (even CBS) during the regular season, much less the summer. Some people thought this was planned as a limited series but CBS insisted that was never the plan and it certainly won't be the plan since it has done so well.

RATINGS RECAP: 7/29/13

ABC 
8:00 The Bachelorette
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Mistresses
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Under the Dome
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Siberia
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX 
8:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:30 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 New Girl (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:30 The Mindy Project (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

RATINGS RECAP: 7/28/13

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:00 Celebrity Wife Swap
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Whodunnit?
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Unforgettable
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
7:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 Crossing Lines
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

FOX
7:00 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:30 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/27/13

ABC
8:00 Zero Hour
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Movie: Norbit
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
8:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Movie: The Longest Yard
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Do No Harm
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

FOX 
8:00 UFC Fight Night
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

RATINGS RECAP: 7/26/13

ABC 
8:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Would You Fall for That?
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
8:00 Camp (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 The Following (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3

RATINGS RECAP: 7/25/13

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Motive
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Rookie Blue
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

NBC
8:00 The Winner Is... (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 The Winner Is...
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Hollywood Game Night
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/24/13

ABC
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:30 Suburgatory (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:30 The Neighbors (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 The Lookout
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Camp
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 

FOX 
8:00 Masterchef (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Masterchef
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

RATINGS RECAP: 7/23/13

ABC
8:00 Extreme Weight Loss
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 20/20 Special Edition: The Royal Baby
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 Hollywood Game Night (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

FOX 
8:00 So You Think You Can Dance
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

RATINGS RECAP: 7/22/13

ABC
8:00 The Bachelorette
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Mistresses
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Under the Dome
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Dateline: The Royal Baby
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

FOX 
8:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:30 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 New Girl (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:30 The Mindy Project (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

RATINGS RECAP: 7/21/13

ABC 
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:00 Celebrity Wife Swap
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Whodunnit?
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 The Good Wife (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
7:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Crossing Lines
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

FOX 
7:00 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:30 Axe Cop/High School USA
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

SEASON IN REVIEW: The 2013 Emmy Nominations

Here are the nominees in the major categories along with some comments!

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad (AMC)
Downton Abbey (PBS)
Game of Thrones (HBO)
Homeland (Showtime)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Mad Men (AMC)
Comments: For the second year in a row, the broadcast networks are shut out in this category (unless you count  PBS) as it remains almost the same as last year except House of Cards replaces Boardwalk Empire. Homeland won last year but buzz seemed to cool slightly on this show. I would give the edge to Breaking Bad right now.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom (HBO)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
Damian Lewis, Homeland (Showtime)
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards (Netflix)
Comments: Four of last year's nominees including winner Damian Lewis return here and they are joined by Jeff Daniels who received better reviews than his show, and Kevin Spacey, whose House of Cards stunned people with its number of nominations. Jon Hamm has never won for Mad Men but that show doesn't seem to be as hot as it once was. I think this will come down to Spacey and previous winners Lewis and Bryan Cranston.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton, Nashville (ABC)
Claire Danes, Homeland (Showtime)
Michelle Dockery, Downtown Abbey (PBS)
Vera Faminga, Bates Motel (A&E)
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men (AMC)
Kerry Washington, Scandal (ABC)
Robin Wright, House of Cards (Netflix)
Comments: This category got seven nominations and brought in many newcomers as veterans like Julianna Marguiles were overlooked. Newbies include the very deserving Kerry Washington of Scandal, Vera Faminga of Bates Motel who got tons of critical praise, Robin Wright of House of Cards, and Connie Britton of Nashville. I love Connie Britton but she did not deserve a nomination for this role. Co-star Hayden Panettiere was actually more deserving if anyone from Nashville was going to get something. I really don't know who will win here: Claire Danes could easily repeat but a surprise win from Faminga or Washington wouldn't shock me either.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Jonathan Banks, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland (Showtime)
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Comments: I always feel like this category is a crapshoot. Past winners Aaron Paul and Peter Dinklage are back as is previous nominee Jim Carter. The rest are newbies including Mandy Patinkin, who many felt was overlooked last year. That slight could put him in the race against Paul and Dinklage.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Morena Baccarin, Homeland (Showtime)
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife (CBS)
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men (AMC)
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Comments: Four of last year's nominees including winner Maggie Smith are back and they are joined by newcomers Morena Baccarin and Emilia Clarke. I think Smith has a good chance to repeat as this may be where voters decide to reward the popular Downton Abbey. It seems like Baranski, Hendricks, and maybe Gunn have seen their chances past and the newbies will get more chances.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock (NBC)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Girls (HBO)
Louie (FX)
Modern Family (ABC)
Veep (HBO)
Comments: This category stays almost the same except Louie replaces Curb Your Enthusiasm. Poor Parks and Recreation was overlooked yet again as was New Girl's fantastic second season. Modern Family has won three years in a row and could very well win again although its unanimous critical acclaim seems to be waning a bit. Previous winner 30 Rock could get a sentimental win for its final season but many thought it was uneven and Girls seems like its fading. Louie is popular but Louis C.K. stands a better chance than the show. Therefore, I think this comes down to Family, The Big Bang Theory, and Veep.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
Jason Bateman, Arrested Development (Netflix)
Louis C.K., Louie (FX)
Don Cheadle, House of Lies (Showtime)
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes (Showtime)
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Comments: Two previous winners (Alec Baldwin and Jim Parsons) return though last year's winner Jon Cryer is nowhere to be found. Baldwin could certainly win for his final season but I think his time has passed. Don Cheadle and Matt LeBlanc can't seem to be able to break through and Jason Bateman's show didn't get nominated. Therefore, I think this one comes down to Parsons and Louis C.K.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Laura Dern, Enlightened (HBO)
Lena Dunham, Girls (HBO)
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Comments: Three previous winners are in this category (Edie Falco, Tina Fey, and last year's Julia Louis-Dreyfus) as well as seemingly perennial nominees Amy Poehler and Lena Dunham. Only Laura Dern of the cancelled Enlightened is new. I think Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a real good chance to repeat but I would love to see Amy Poehler finally get some respect and a win for a brilliant performance.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell, Modern Family (ABC)
Adam Driver, Girls (HBO)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family (ABC)
Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Tony Hale, Veep (HBO)
Ed O'Neill, Modern Family (ABC)
Comments: Three of the four Modern Family men are back but previous winner Eric Stonestreet was shut out. This isn't two surprising as his shtick can get a little old on the show. Ty Burrell has won before but who knows if this will be a Modern Family year. Bill Hader is unlikely because Saturday Night Live actors never get these but newcomers Adam Driver and Tony Hale could be wildcards.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Julie Bowen, Modern Family (ABC)
Anna Chlumsky, Veep (HBO)
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock (NBC)
Jane Lynch, Glee (FOX)
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family (ABC)
Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Comments: Like Lead Drama Actress, this category expanded to seven nominees and I think it's truly wide open. Julie Bowen has won two years in a row while Jane Lynch made a surprise return to the category as I thought her time had passed. I really don't know what will happen here but right now I'd say it's between Bowen, Mayim Bialik, and Anna Chlumsky. 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/20/13

ABC 
8:00 Zero Hour
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
9:00 Movie: The Game Plan
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

CBS
8:00 Unforgettable (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Crossing Lines (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
10:00 Do No Harm
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3

FOX
8:00 Cops (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
8:30 Cops (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/19/13

ABC
8:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
8:00 Camp (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 The Following (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/18/13

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Motive
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Rookie Blue
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

NBC
8:00 The Winner Is... (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 The Winner Is...
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Hollywood Game Night
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Hell's Kitchen (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/17/13

ABC
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 Suburgatory (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:30 The Neighbors (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 The Lookout
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS 
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
10:00 Camp
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX 
8:00 Masterchef (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Masterchef
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/16/13

ABC
8:00 Extreme Weight Loss
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Body of Proof (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat) 
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 Hollywood Game Night (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

FOX
8:00 2013 MLB All Star Game
Viewers: 11.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2

RATINGS RECAP: 7/15/13

ABC
8:00 The Bachelorette
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Mistresses
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Under the Dome
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Siberia
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX 
8:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:30 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 New Girl (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:30 The Mindy Project (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/14/13

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 Celebrity Wife Swap
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Whodunnit?
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
7:00 John Deere Classic Overrun
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
7:20 60 Minutes
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:20 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:20 The Good Wife (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:20 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
7:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Crossing Lines
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

FOX 
7:00 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/13/13

ABC 
8:00 Zero Hour
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
9:00 666 Park Avenue
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
8:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 Movie: An American Girl - Saige Paints the Sky
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
10:00 Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3

FOX
8:00 MLB Baseball
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/12/13

ABC 
8:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
8:00 Camp (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

FOX
8:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 The Following (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/11/13

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Motive
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Rookie Blue
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 
10:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 The Winner Is... (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 The Winner Is...
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Hollywood Game Night
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

FOX
8:00 Hell's Kitchen (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Hell's Kitchen
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

On Thursday night, NBC had the series premiere of Hollywood Game Night and the Thursday premiere of The Winner Is... Neither show performed that strongly but Game Night was more successful considering it didn't have previous exposure like The Winner Is and had to self start. Elsewhere, Big Brother's first Thursday airing was pretty consistent with other nights so far. Over on ABC, Wipeout was even in the demo but Motive was down a tenth and Rookie Blue was down two tenths as both dramas hit season lows. Finally on FOX, Hell's Kitchen was even with its last new airing two weeks ago.

RATINGS RECAP: 7/10/13

ABC 
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 Family Tools
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:30 The Neighbors (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 The Lookout
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 The American Baking Competition
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

NBC
8:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:00 Camp
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 Masterchef
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

On Wednesday night, NBC had the series premiere of new scripted dramedy Camp. It had a ho-hum 1.5 demo debut and the bad news was it saw a bad drop at the half hour. Still, it's a better start than NBC's other scripted offerings this summer. Over on CBS, Big Brother was up three tenths in the demo as it seems to be recovering a bit from a weak start. At 9pm, the season finale of The American Baking Competition was even with last week. I wouldn't be shocked to see this one come back next summer. On ABC, the series finale of the cancelled Family Tools was even in the demo while The Lookout was down a tenth. On FOX, Masterchef was even from its last new airing two weeks ago.

RATINGS RECAP: 7/9/13

ABC
8:00 Extreme Weight Loss
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Body of Proof (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 Betty White's Off Their Rockers (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:30 Betty White's Off Their Rockers
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

FOX
8:00 So You Think You Can Dance
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

PILOT REVIEW: Camp

CAMP

Starring: Rachel Griffiths, Thom Green, Dena Kaplan, Tim Pocock, Charles Grounds, Nikolai Nikolaeff, Lily Sullivan, Charlotte Nicdao, and Rodger Corser

Created by Liz Heldens and Peter Elkoff
Written by Liz Heldens and Peter Elkoff, Directed by Kate Woods

Camp is a new comedy-drama set at Little Otter Family Camp. The show centers on camp director Mackenzie Greenfield (Rachel Griffiths), who is reeling from a recent divorce and financial troubles at the camp. Also in the main cast is a wide range of camp counselors and workers including a formerly Olympic bound swimmer, a kid with leukemia in remission, a rival camp director, and Mackenzie's rebellious son.

THE GOOD: This is a fun setting for a show. As a former camp counselor, it brought back good memories from some of my favorite summers. I know from my own experiences that there are lots of stories to tell when people are in the same small corner of nature all summer long with limited connection to the outside world. The very end of the pilot seemed a little more real and true to the bonding that occurs.

THE BAD: The problem was the vast majority of the pilot - really until the last 10 minutes or so was
brought down by a weak script. A huge pet peeve of mine with TV shows is when they don't know how to write for teenagers or young adults. They try to be "edgy" but it ends up sounding nothing like the way people really talk. The pilot really dragged at times filled with stereotypes and predictable situations.

BOTTOM LINE: I was pretty convinced with 10 minutes to go that I wasn't going to come back to Camp next week but then all of the sudden, it got a lot more real and lot more engaging. I don't know why it took them so long to get to that point and it's a shame because the ratings showed a big drop off at the half hour. But maybe I'll give it a chance, I loved working at camp and if it can remind me more of that, then it's worth sticking around for.

RATINGS RECAP: 7/8/13

ABC 
8:00 The Bachelorette
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Mistresses
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Under the Dome
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Siberia
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX 
8:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:30 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 New Girl (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:30 The Mindy Project (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
 

On Monday night, NBC had the series premiere of new reality show Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls. It didn't do much but premiered better than most of NBC's summer offerings so far. Earlier in the night, American Ninja Warrior was down a tenth in the demo while Siberia followed Get Out Alive and it was also down two tenths in the demo from last week's series premiere. On CBS, week three of Under the Dome held up pretty well. It was down another 1.1 million viewers and two tenths in the demo but that's not a horrible drop for week three. This show is far outperforming any other summer show, particularly the scripted ones. Over on ABC, The Bachelorette and Mistresses were both up a tenth in the demo.  

RATINGS RECAP: 7/7/13

ABC 
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 Celebrity Wife Swap
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Whodunnit?
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Under the Dome (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
7:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Crossing Lines
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

FOX
7:00 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

RATINGS RECAP: 7/6/13

ABC 
8:00 Zero Hour
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 666 Park Avenue
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
8:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Brooklyn DA
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
10:00 48 Hours (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Do No Harm
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

FOX
8:00 MLB Baseball
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

RATINGS RECAP: 7/5/13

ABC 
8:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 Siberia (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX 
8:00 Bones (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 The Following (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3

RATINGS RECAP: 7/4/13

ABC 
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Motive (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
10:00 Rookie Blue (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

NBC
8:00 Macy's 4th of July Spectacular
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Macy's 4th of July Spectacular (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Hell's Kitchen (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Hell's Kitchen (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/3/13

ABC 
8:00 The Middle (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 Family Tools
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:30 The Neighbors (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 The Lookout
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CBS
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 The American Baking Competition
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Chicago Fire (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

FOX
8:00 Masterchef (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Masterchef (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 

RATINGS RECAP: 7/2/13

ABC 
8:00 Extreme Weight Loss
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Body of Proof (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
10:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
8:00 Betty White's Off Their Rockers (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:30 Betty White's Off Their Rockers
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 America's Got Talent
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

FOX
8:00 So You Think You Can Dance
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

RATINGS RECAP: 7/1/13

ABC
8:00 The Bachelorette
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Mistresses
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:30 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 Under the Dome
Viewers: 11.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9 

NBC
8:00 American Ninja Warrior
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Siberia
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 

FOX
8:00 Raising Hope (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:30 The Goodwin Games
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 New Girl (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:30 The Mindy Project (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5  

On Monday night, CBS saw a pretty good hold for Under the Dome. It was down 1.7 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from its huge premiere last week. This drop isn't shocking considering how big its debut was. However, I don't think it's done dropping so we'll see where things end up. It still has a lot of room to drop before there's a problem. NBC had the season premiere of American Ninja Warrior which had an ok 1.7 demo. The series premiere of faux reality show Siberia followed and did very little with a 1.1 demo and low retention. Over on ABC, The Bachelorette dipped two tenths in the demo from last week's season high while Mistresses was dead even with last week. The series finale of burnoff The Goodwin Games was even with last week for FOX.

RATINGS RECAP: 6/30/13

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 Celebrity Wife Swap
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Whodunnit?
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 Castle (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:00 Big Brother
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Under the Dome (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
7:00 America's Got Talent (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Crossing Lines
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6 

FOX
7:00 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:30 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

Sunday night had the season premiere of Big Brother but it didn't do all that much which signals it could be a rough summer for CBS's perennial entry. Elsewhere, Celebrity Wife Swap and Whodunnit? both dropped three tenths in the demo from last week which is a bad sign for newbie Whodunnit? and another swing and miss from ABC this summer. On NBC, Crossing Lines fell a tenth in the demo from its already weak two hour premiere last week.

PILOT REVIEW: Siberia

SIBERIA

Starring: Joyce Carolina Giraud, Johnny Wactor, Daniel David Sutton, Neeko OJ Skervin, Natalie Ann Sheetz, Sam Dobbins, Esther Anderson, Thomas Mountain, George Dickson, Ann-Marie Mueschke, Miljan Milosevic, Berglind Icey, Irene Yee, Harpreet Turka, Victoria Hill, Sabina Akhmedova, and Jonathon Buckley

Created by Matthew Arnold
Written by Matthew Arnold, Directed by Matthew Arnold

Siberia is a new drama that is depicted as a reality show where 16 contestants must live and survive in a remote area of Siberia where there are no rules. The contestants must be able to survive through the summer and winter in order to claim a share of a $500,000 prize. The contestants are not voted out but rather can choose to leave when they want.

THE GOOD: This was a very interesting set-up because it truly blurred the lines between reality and TV drama. The production value was so similar to a Survivor-type show that it really seemed believable that these were real people on a reality show and not actors on a drama. The show does not break from the reality format at all which helps the plausibility. If they showed "behind the scenes" I don't think it would work as well. By presenting it entirely as a reality show, it is much more engrossing. In fact, I'm not sure that the average person tuning in who doesn't know about the show would realize that it is scripted. '

THE BAD: At the same time, there is a little bit of a letdown when I remember that this is all scripted. It's an interesting premise for a reality show and I'd be instantly sucked in if that's exactly what it was. That being said, with all that happened in the pilot and seems set to happen this season, a reality show like this would probably never fly. But still, it's a little less exciting knowing that these aren't real people.

BOTTOM LINE: I wasn't expecting much from Siberia but like other scripted shows this summer, it has surprised me. I know it's a fake reality show but part of me really wants to see what happened especially in the clips from upcoming episodes. Maybe I'll get sucked in the way that reality shows suck people in.