RATINGS RECAP: 10/30/13

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 Back in the Game
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Modern Family (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 Super Fun Night
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Nashville
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 

NBC
8:00 Revolution
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 

FOX 
8:00 MLB World Series Game 6
Viewers: 19.2 million, 18-49 demo: 5.7 

Wednesday night was all about the sixth and final game of the World Series that saw the Boston Red Sox win for the third time in ten years. The competition led to drops for most other series though the 8pm hour of ABC was the least affected. The Middle was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Back in the Game was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. After a Modern Family repeat, Super Fun Night fell six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo to a series low. So of its four new comedies, ABC had three get a 1.7 with just Trophy Wife getting a 1.4 this week. There don't seem to be any clear answers but The Goldbergs seems to be the safest bet to get a full season. At 10pm, Nashville was down two tenths in viewers and the demo to a series low. I know it was against the World Series but a 1.4 demo is not acceptable and Nashville seems to be on more of a downward trend.

CBS saw drops across the board with series lows either tied or reached. Survivor was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo to tie a series low, Criminal Minds was down a million viewers and three tenths in the demo, also tying a series low, and CSI was down a million viewers and four tenths in the demo hitting a series low outright. This was a rough night for CBS as their shows might have more crossover with baseball fans. On NBC, only Revolution was new but it held up as it was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. It has leveled off but the problem is it has leveled off at a 1.4 demo. Both Revolution and Nashville with their 1.4 demos are big question marks for third seasons.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/29/13

ABC
8:00 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 The Goldbergs
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:30 Trophy Wife
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 14.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 The Voice
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6

FOX 
8:00 The X Factor
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

On Tuesday night, The Voice annihilated The X Factor. NBC started off the night with The Biggest Loser which was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 9pm, The Voice was two hours and the 10pm hour seemed to have a negative impact as it was down 1.5 million viewers and half a demo point. Its 3.6 demo was still tops though. Over on ABC, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was a repeat but the good news was there was no negative impact on the comedies that followed as The Goldbergs was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Trophy Wife was up two tenths in viewers and the demo. This is arguably the best performance for the comedies yet even though their overall numbers were low. It also goes to show that there is very little crossover audience with Marvel. I really think ABC is either going to try these shows out on Wednesday or air them all year on Tuesday. I don't see them abandoning either show yet.

On CBS, NCIS started the night off up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. Person of Interest closed the night down 1.2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. While a big fall and a season low, it doesn't usually have to face The Voice so I don't think this is a terrible performance. Finally, FOX had a disastrous night with The X Factor as a special Tuesday airing was left in the dust with a series low. Some of this could be chalked up to the different night but the problem is bigger than that. Against a hot franchise, The X Factor just looks like a dud. FOX would have been better off with its comedies.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/28/13

ABC 
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 13.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:30 Mom
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Hostages
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
10:00 The Blacklist
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1

FOX
8:00 MLB World Series Game 5
Viewers: 14.5 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1 

Monday night had the World Series on FOX and more good ratings but it seemed to have little or no impact on the rest of the broadcast networks. On NBC, The Voice was down half a million viewers and even in the demo while The Blacklist had its first rise of the season as it was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. It is now ahead of Revolution year to year as that show had a 3.0 demo on this night last year (out of a 4.8 for The Voice). It is without the question the biggest new hit of the fall season. Over on ABC, Dancing with the Stars was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo while Castle was up a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo.

On CBS, How I Met Your Mother was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo for a fourth straight week. At 8:30pm, 2 Broke Girls was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for its best demo number since the season premiere. Moving this show back to 8:30pm was clearly the right move. Another repeat of The Big Bang Theory was solid as usual but Mom was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo after last week's rise. Next week, it will be paired with Mike & Molly, which will have its season premiere. Let's see how compatible Mom is with its third different lead-in of the young season. At 10pm, Hostages was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo for a fourth straight week.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/27/13

ABC 
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Revenge
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Betrayal
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:00 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
8:30 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 16.9 million, 18-49 demo: 6.3

FOX
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 25.6 million, 18-49 demo: 8.9
8:00 MLB World Series Game 4
Viewers: 16.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6 

Sunday night had major sports competition from Sunday Night Football and the World Series, leaving little room for ABC and CBS once again. ABC did see some rises in the first half of the night though. At 7pm, America's Funniest Home Videos was up half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a season high. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. Revenge couldn't follow suit though as it was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo, tying the series low it set agains tthe Grammys last February. This show is falling apart even faster in season three. At 10pm, Betrayal was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. The fact that it's been holding steady probably means ABC is going to ride this dud out.

On CBS, 60 Minutes started out the night down two tenths in the demo from the last time it didn't have a football lead-in. At 8pm, The Amazing Race was down eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, hitting a series low. CBS Sundays are low in general this year but the long running Race seems to be particularly down. At 9pm, a buzzy episode of The Good Wife was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo while The Mentalist was up a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week when it aired at 10:30pm. Both Sunday dramas are struggling but The Good Wife has actually been stronger than The Mentalist this season.

QUICK HITS: Monday, October 28

Well this is actually not so quick but here goes...

Choosing to Be Optimistic...
Studying broadcast TV ratings can often be depressing because of how they have dropped over the years but here's one reason to be optimistic. On ABC, CBS, and FOX - their top three new shows from this fall are outperforming their top three new shows from last fall at this point, respectively. Take a look:

New show demos through October 28 of both years:

ABC
2012 Nashville (2.3), The Neighbors (2.0), Last Resort (1.7)
2013 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (3.3), Super Fun Night (2.5), The Goldbergs (2.1)

CBS
2012 Elementary (2.5), Partners (2.1), Vegas (2.0)
2013 The Millers (3.1), The Crazy Ones (2.8), Mom (2.2)

FOX
2012 The Mindy Project (2.1), Ben and Kate (1.6), The Mob Doctor (1.2)
2013 Sleepy Hollow (3.0), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (1.7), Dads (1.5)

The only network without this trend is NBC:
2012 Revolution (3.4), Go On (2.8), The New Normal (2.0)
2013 The Blacklist (3.2), Dracula (1.8), The Michael J. Fox Show (1.5)

Veteran shows often decline but if networks can find successful new shows, that's a plus and each network has at least one new show to gloat about if not more.

Midseason Thoughts
FOX has announced midseason plans and NBC has announced a couple things. Here are my brief thoughts on FOX and what some other networks should consider:

FOX: I love that they are reducing the results show of American Idol to an half hour towards the end of the season. It's far overdue and should have been done with The X Factor as well. I think FOX should consider down the road building a comedy block with three comedies and the results shows of these reality franchises. I think it's smart to launch Rake after the NFC Championship Game. My biggest complaint is keeping The Mindy Project where it is. The show is a dud and can't even outrate the struggling 8pm comedies. Why did FOX give up on the promising Us & Them but this show continues to air?

ABC: ABC only has Suburgatory and Mixology on the bench as far as comedies go and their biggest problem is not any of their new comedies, it's The Neighbors. So I would at least extend, if not give full seasons, to all their new comedies. None are breaking out but all, even Trophy Wife, deserve a little bit more time. Suburgatory can replace The Neighbors on Friday and the others can stay put though ABC should really consider letting The Goldbergs or Trophy Wife have a chance after Modern Family. Mixology seems like a complete non-fit. I would either air it at the tail end of the season at 9:30pm Mondays after Dancing with the Stars or save it for summer. It's not going to fit with any other shows. As for the dramas, Resurrection should not go to Sundays at 10pm where it is sure to die. Slide Revenge back an hour and air it at 9pm. Also don't put any scripted drama on Thursdays at 8pm. Tuesdays at 10pm is tough too but that might be a slot for Killer Women. I would air Minds Games as a temporary replacement for either Nashville or Scandal when the shows have their winter hiatus. Probably Nashville because that slot needs more help in general. So basically this is what I would do:

Monday
8:00 The Bachelor (Jan)/Dancing with the Stars (Mar)
9:30 Mixology (late April)
10:00 Castle
Tuesday
8:00 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
9:00 The Goldbergs
9:30 Trophy Wife
10:00 Encores & Specials (Jan)/Killer Women (Mar)
Wednesday
8:00 The Middle
8:30 Back in the Game
9:00 Modern Family
9:30 Super Fun Night
10:00 Minds Games (Jan)/Nashville (Mar)
Thursday
8:00 The Quest (Jan)/The Taste (Mar)
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
10:00 Scandal
Friday
8:00 Last Man Standing
8:30 Suburgatory
9:00 Shark Tank
10:00 20/20
Sunday
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00 Once Upon a Time
9:00 Revenge (Jan)/Resurrection (Mar)
10:00 Betrayal (Jan)/Revenge (Mar)

CBS: Hostages is obviously a goner and Intelligence is already slated to take its spot, that's fine. CBS doesn't have much else on the bench so there's not a ton to do but the biggest issues are finding a way to get new comedies Bad Teacher and Friends with Better Lives on the air. With How I Met Your Mother ending, CBS needs to try as many comedies as possible to get ready for next season. I think what makes the most sense is for 2 Broke Girls and The Millers to take a short hiatus and give these new shows a chance after their two biggest performers. I would also end The Good Wife's season early to make room for new drama Reckless. So this is what I would do:

Monday
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
8:30 Friends with Better Lives (Jan)/2 Broke Girls (Mar)
9:00 Mike & Molly
9:30 Mom
10:00 Hostages (Jan)/Intelligence (late Feb)
Tuesday
8:00 NCIS
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
10:00 Person of Interest
Wednesday
8:00 Comedy Repeats/Survivor (late Feb)
9:00 Criminal Minds
10:00 CSI
Thursday
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
8:30 The Millers (Jan)/Bad Teacher (Mar)
9:00 The Crazy Ones
9:30 Two and a Half Men
10:00 Elementary
Friday
8:00 Undercover Boss
9:00 Hawaii Five-0
10:00 Blue Bloods
Sunday
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00 Specials (Jan)/The Amazing Race (late Feb)
9:00 The Good Wife (Jan)/Reckless (late Mar)
10:00 The Mentalist

NBC: NBC has the most interesting choices. I think they need to focus most of their energy on the post-Olympics time. With only about a month to kill until the Olympics in February, I would just air burnoffs and reality shows in January besides the already announced launch of Chicago PD. They also should focus mainly on dramas because that is where they're finding success. I would officially cut the Thursday comedy block to an hour and move The Biggest Loser to the 8pm slot. To do so, I would double up Community and Parks and Recreation and air them on Tuesdays as well so they can finish their episode order. So this is what I would do:

Monday
8:00 Reality Filler (Jan)/The Voice (late Feb)
10:00 The Blacklist
Tuesday
8:00 Community & Parks and Recreation (Jan)/The Voice (late Feb)
9:00 Hannibal (Jan)/About a Boy & The Family Guide (Mar)
10:00 Chicago Fire
Wednesday
8:00 Revolution (Jan)/The Night Shift (late Feb)
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
10:00 Chicago PD
Thursday
8:00 Community & Parks and Recreation (Jan)/The Biggest Loser (late Feb)
9:00 The Michael J. Fox Show
9:30 Sean Saves the World (Jan)/Undateable (late Feb)
10:00 Parenthood
Friday
8:00 Dateline NBC
9:00 Grimm
10:00 Dracula/Crossbones (Mar)
Sunday (after Olympics)
7:00 Dateline NBC
8:00 Reality Show
9:00 Crisis
10:00 Believe

RATINGS RECAP: 10/26/13

ABC
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Elementary (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 48 Hours
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

NBC
8:00 Grimm (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
9:00 The Blacklist (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Saturday Night Live (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

FOX 
8:00 MLB World Series Game 3
Viewers: 12.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

PILOT REVIEW: Dracula

DRACULA

Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jessica De Gouw, Thomas Kretschmann, Victoria Smurfit, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Nonso Anozie, Katie McGrath

Created by Cole Haddon
Written by Cole Haddon, Directed by Steve Shill

Dracula is a new NBC drama with a fresh take on the Dracula story. In this imagining, Dracula (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) lives in Victorian London in the late 1800s posing as American Alexander Grayson, a wealthy businessman promoting new scientific innovations. In reality, Dracula is seeking revenge on those who have wronged him but he may be sidetracked when he meets a woman, Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw), who reminds him of his dead wife. Rounding out the main cast is Grayson's butler and confidante Renfield (Nonso Anozie), Mina's fiance, reporter Jonathan Harker (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), a woman entranced by Grayson, Lady Jayne Wetherby (Victoria Smurfit), and the man who revived Dracula from the grave, Abraham Van Helsing (Thomas Kretschmann).

THE GOOD: The thing I liked most about Dracula was the unique setting. It's not every day you see 1800s Victorian England as a setting for a network drama. It was lavish and interesting to watch. I'm not one to nitpick details but it seemed like they did a nice job with committing to the era and style. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a standout in the lead role. He is mysterious and dark and that works perfectly for the image he is trying to create. He delivers a subtle approach to Grayson and a nearly manic approach to his altar ego and strikes the balance quite well. The supporting cast seems solid too but so far, it seems like it's all about Meyers in the lead role.

THE BAD: There were times where the pilot was slow moving which seems to be a common pratfall of period dramas. I'm all for taking time with stories but there were a few times where it felt like there was no reason that nothing was happening. The show did a good job of its style but then it seemed to switch it up with the fight scene on the top of the roof. All of the sudden, they had a slow motion moment and obviously choreographed fighting. That seemed to clash with the vision and mood of the show up to that point and I hope they stay away from those types of moments in the future.

BOTTOM LINE: I'm not a vampire or Dracula fan so I don't really have any way to compare this with other shows in this family. That being said, I was intrigued enough by the setting and premise to come back for another week. I'm not sure if it will eventually veer into the "too creepy" or "too boring" territory because I could see it heading down either of those paths, but I enjoyed the pilot and specifically Meyers. It's a good dark companion to Grimm on Friday nights.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/25/13

ABC 
8:00 Last Man Standing (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:30 The Neighbors (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 

NBC
8:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Grimm
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Dracula
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

FOX
8:00 Masterchef Junior
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 
9:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 

Friday night had the premiere of NBC's new lineup. Dateline NBC started things off at its new 8pm time. It was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. At 9pm, the third season premiere of Grimm delivered its best Friday demo in a year as it continues to have its own audience on Fridays. Two years ago, it had a very surprising premiere and now here it is with its own niche on the night. At 10pm, the series premiere of Dracula was very compatible, at least for this week with a solid 1.8 demo premiere that topped the series premieres of Welcome to the Family, Ironside, and Sean Saves the World for NBC. Dracula did have a big drop at the half hour so we'll see how week two goes, but it's a good start. It's worth noting that NBC had better demo numbers for Grimm and Dracula than anything that aired on Wednesday or Thursday for them this week. 

CBS started things off with Undercover Boss which was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's season high. At 9pm, Hawaii Five-0 was up seven tenths in viewers and even in the demo despite new scripted competition on NBC. At 10pm, Blue Bloods was up seven tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Over on ABC, Shark Tank was up seven tenths in viewers and even in the demo even though it had repeats as a lead-in. At 10pm, 20/20 was up a big 2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. Looks like it benefited from not having Dateline as competition in the hour. Finally on FOX, Masterchef Junior was down a tenth in viewers and up a tenth in the demo.   

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: October 26, 2013

GOOD WEEK: "MOM"
The new shows, especially the huge crop of sitcoms, are still finding their way. Many have gotten a vote of confidence with a full season order from their network. But no show proved itself more worthy this week than the CBS Monday sitcom Mom, which was up three tenths in the demo for its best numbers since the series premiere. Mom has had a tough task considering it's been the new show on a night that has already seen upheaval when CBS finally decided 2 Broke Girls was not worthy of being a 9pm anchor. Whether its Girls or repeats of The Big Bang Theory, Mom has had good retention and it will have its third different lead-in when Mike & Molly has its season premiere on November 4. The show is finding itself creatively and audiences seem to be responding. This performance is certainly more impressive than the other two new CBS sitcoms despite lower raw numbers because The Millers has horrible retention out of The Big Bang Theory and The Crazy Ones has been somewhat underwhelming.

BAD WEEK: ABC'S NEW SITCOMS
This has been the fall of the sitcoms and aside from the two cancelled ones, Welcome to the Family and We Are Men, people seem mixed on their appeal with every show having its set of fans. None are out of the gate smashes in the ratings like dramas The Blacklist and Sleepy Hollow but ABC's new batch has been really disappointing in the ratings. The Goldbergs is bleeding a huge amount of its Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. lead-in, same goes for Super Fun Night out of Modern Family. Back in the Game hasn't proven as compatible with The Middle as many thought it would be, and Trophy Wife is the lowest performer of them all. ABC is also having trouble with returning sitcom The Neighbors on Friday nights. With only Marvel having received a full season, ABC has some decisions to make with only two comedies on the bench. Namely, will it keep the Tuesday and Friday sitcom block in addition to their Wednesday lineup? I think ABC will be patient with these shows, but they have to make some decisions.

FULL SEASON ALERT: Dads

In a move that defied preseason odds, FOX has picked up freshman sitcom Dads for a full season. Dads was met with near universal scorn from critics before the season started and it has only had modest ratings, but it has done enough for FOX to give it the full season. In doing so, it appears they will keep their sitcom block of Dads, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, New Girl, and The Mindy Project in place for the spring despite middling ratings because FOX has found a place for their other sitcoms. Raising Hope and newbie Enlisted will air on Fridays while the new 90s set sitcom Surviving Jack will air after a half hour American Idol results show in late spring. Their last sitcom, Us & Them, was essentially cancelled before it aired and probably won't air until summer. In their moves, FOX also announced a January 19 start for Rake (after the NFC Championship Game), and the return of American Idol on January 15 and The Following on January 20.

Dads has averaged 3.8 million viewers and a 1.5 demo through six airings this season. It has been a better fall for FOX's new shows as Brooklyn Nine-Nine was given a full season as well and Sleepy Hollow has already been renewed for next season. Next up is drama Almost Human, which premieres after football on November 17 and then will air on Mondays.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/24/13

Check back tomorrow for a review of NBC's new drama Dracula!

ABC
8:00 Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:00 Scandal
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 17.0 million, 18-49 demo: 5.2
8:30 The Millers
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 The Crazy Ones
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:30 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:00 Elementary
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 

NBC
8:00 The Voice (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Sean Saves the World
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:30 The Michael J. Fox Show
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX 
8:00 MLB World Series Game 2
Viewers: 13.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6

On Thursday night, Game 2 of the World Series fell six tenths in the demo from Game 1 but still had a good showing. NBC had its first Thursday without Welcome to the Family. A repeat of The Voice did better than the cancelled Family but not much better than Parks and Recreation usually does in the hour. At 9pm, Sean Saves the World was up six tenths in viewers and even in the demo while The Michael J. Fox Show was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. So basically the cancellation of Welcome to the Family did very little to the 9pm comedies, good or bad. At 10pm, Parenthood was dead even with last week. I wonder how this show would be doing if it had stayed on Tuesday at 10pm with a lead-in from The Voice.

Over on CBS, The Big Bang Theory started off the night down eight tenths in viewers but even in the demo. At 8:30pm, The Millers fell a rough 1.6 million viewers and half a demo point. This is a bad drop considering the lead-in was steady. It also posted a pretty terrible 52% retention out of Big Bang, which has been low enough to get other shows cancelled. Next week is a Big Bang repeat but a new episode of The Millers so things will likely be worse. We'll see what happens in two weeks. At 9pm, The Crazy Ones was down seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, which is not bad considering how much the lead-in fell. At 9:30pm, Two and a Half Men rebounded from last week's series low as it was down a tenth in viewers but up two tenths in the demo. At 10pm, Elementary was up two tenths in viewers and a good three tenths in the demo. It still should probably be higher but this was a nice rebound.

Finally on ABC, week three of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. So the Thursday 8pm slot fails again. I'm sure ABC won't have this show go beyond 13 episodes so what will ABC try in this slot in the spring? At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Scandal slipped nine tenths in viewers and a troubling four tenths in the demo. This show has swung up then down every week so far this season, will it follow that trend and rise again next week? Both Law & Order: SVU and Scandal had sexting related episodes and both fell pretty hard this week. I'm sure there's no correlation but that's just an observation.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/23/13

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 Back in the Game
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:30 Super Fun Night
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Nashville
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

NBC
8:00 Revolution
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Ironside
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 

FOX
8:00 MLB World Series Game 1
Viewers: 14.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2 

Wednesday night had Game 1 of the World Series on FOX, which was up six tenths in the demo from last year's Game 1. It also had the 300th episode of CSI on CBS. But first on the eye network, Survivor was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a season low. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was up half a million viewers and even in the demo. It has been between a 2.6 and 2.8 demo all season so far. At 10pm, CSI's 300th episode saw a little bump as it was up a million bumps and a tenth in the demo. I'd be surprised to see this show reach 400 but stranger things have happened and it's still doing fairly well among CBS dramas.

Over on ABC, the 100th episode of The Middle was dead even with its last airing two weeks ago. At 8:30pm, Back in the Game was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo to a series low. This show isn't holding on to its lead-in like many thought it would. Will ABC try The Goldbergs or Trophy Wife here at some point? At 9pm, Modern Family was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 9:30pm, Super Fun Night was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Though retention was slightly better, it's still not doing very well as a lead-out of Family, but then again nothing seems to do that well with Family and is still the top demo draw among ABC's new comedies. At 10pm, Nashville was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo for a third week in a row.

Finally, NBC had a terrible night. At 8pm, Revolution was down four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. For the first time all season, it didn't drop but it held steady at a 1.4, which is awfully low. Honestly the win for Revolution this season is that it didn't fall flat on its face without The Voice like Smash last year, but a season three seems unlikely. At 9pm, Law & Order: SVU was down a rough two million viewers and four tenths in the demo. I'm not sure what happened here, maybe there is more crossover between baseball fans and SVU than other shows? At 10pm, the final airing of the cancelled Ironside was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, further earning its cancellation. Although not announced, I wouldn't be shocked to see the remaining episodes surface on Saturday at some point.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/22/13

ABC
8:00 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
9:00 The Goldbergs
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:30 Trophy Wife
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Shark Tank (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 14.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 The Voice
Viewers: 13.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
10:00 Chicago Fire
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 

FOX
8:00 Dads
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
8:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:30 The Mindy Project
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 

Tuesday night had another drop from Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as it dropped half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. The numbers are decent but this is nowhere near what ABC was hoping for. At 9pm, The Goldbergs rose for the first time as it was up a tenth both in viewers and the demo. The retention was also better than last week considering Marvel was down. At 9:30pm though Trophy Wife was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo for a series low. ABC has to figure things out with four modestly performing new comedies, trouble with the Friday comedy lineup, and only two comedies on the bench (Suburgatory and the new Mixology). I think we'll see some decisions in the next 2-3 weeks. At 10pm, a repeat of Shark Tank did better than last week's Scandal repeat. ABC still hasn't announced what will permanently occupy this slot though there are rumors of former occupant Body of Proof being resurrected.

Over on CBS, NCIS was up two tenths in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. It doesn't seem to be negatively impacted by Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. at all. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was also up two tenths in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. The best news for CBS came at 10pm where Person of Interest was up half a million viewers for a season high and even in the demo. It also beat Chicago Fire for the first time in the demo so that's a big plus for CBS and Person seems to have finally stabilized a slot that has been trouble for CBS.

On NBC, The Biggest Loser started off the night down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere. If it can level off here, that will be just fine for NBC in this slot. At 9pm, The Voice was up a tenth in viewers and the demo which is good for a show that always fades as the season wears on. At 10pm, Chicago Fire fell six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo despite its lead-in being up. This show is still doing fine but it doesn't seem to really be benefiting from its lead-in anymore as it hovered just below these numbers last year. I think it would actually do about the same even if The Voice wasn't in front of it.

Finally, FOX had a pretty bad night as usual. At 8pm, Dads was up two tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. FOX still hasn't announced a decision on whether this show will get a full season or not. I think it'll at least get some additional episodes. At 8:30pm, Brooklyn Nine-Nine had the best week-to-week performance as it was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for its best demo performance since the second episode. It actually topped New Girl in total viewers and was just two tenths behind it in the demo. Speaking of New Girl, that show was up two tenths in viewers but even in the demo. The Mindy Project continued to be the weakest link as it was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. FOX really should not keep going with this show, it's never going to catch on.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/21/13

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 13.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:30 Mom
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:00 Hostages
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 13.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
10:00 The Blacklist
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 

FOX
8:00 Bones
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 Sleepy Hollow (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 

On Monday night, things were pretty close to average for most shows. On CBS, How I Met Your Mother started things off down four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. At 8:30pm, the second week of 2 Broke Girls in the 8:30pm slot was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. After an improved The Big Bang Theory, Mom was down a tenth in viewers but up three tenths in the demo for its best showing since the series premiere. This was an impressive performance from Mom which has been extremely compatible with whatever has been in front of it this season. It looks like it earned its full season. At 10pm, Hostages was dead even in viewers and the demo for a third week in a row.

Over on ABC, Dancing with the Stars was up four tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo while Castle was down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. I'm not sure what explains Castle swinging up and down lately. On NBC, The Voice was down two tenths in viewers and the demo. The Blacklist was down half a million viewers but even in the demo for the first time all season as it has stabilized and is looking more and more impressive especially with its huge week two DVR gains reported. Finally on FOX, the wedding episode of Bones was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This was to be the final Monday showing of Bones but it will now get two additional Mondays paired with Sleepy Hollow because Almost Human's planned November 4 debut was pushed back to a two day debut starting after football on November 17.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/20/13

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Revenge
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Betrayal
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
7:00 NFL Overrun
Viewers: 25.3 million, 18-49 demo: 8.6
7:30 60 Minutes
Viewers: 15.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
8:30 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 8.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:30 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:30 The Mentalist
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
7:00 Football Night in America
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
8:00 NFL Pregame
Viewers: 15.3 million, 18-49 demo: 5.5
8:30 Sunday Night Football
Viewers: 26.9 million, 18-49 demo: 10.0 

FOX
7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
7:30 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 

Scripted broadcast programming was left in the dust by another great week of The Walking Dead and the huge Broncos-Colts game on NBC which delivered a season high and astonishing 10.0 demo. CBS had an NFL overrun but it didn't give as much power as usual. 60 Minutes was down a full demo point from the last time it followed the NFL. At 8:30pm, The Amazing Race was up eight tenths in viewers and even in the demo even though its lead-in was up 1.3 demo points. This is a real disappointing performance. At 9:30pm, The Good Wife was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo. This show always seems to do better when it starts closer to 10pm. At 10:30pm, The Mentalist was down 1.6 million viewers and a tenth in the demo for a series low. I think this show is definitely a goner after this year while The Good Wife could still go either way.

ABC had a pretty bad night. At 7pm, America's Funniest Home Videos was up three tenths in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time dropped four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. It seems very likely that this show will fall into the 1s this year which it just barely avoided last season. At 9pm, Revenge was up two tenths in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. I know it's a third year show which means it will likely get renewed for a fourth season for syndication reasons. But this show is falling fast and I think it'll get pretty ugly if it goes another year. At 10pm, Betrayal inched up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The rise might buy it some time but it's not going beyond its 13 episode order with these numbers. 

RATINGS RECAP: 10/19/13

ABC 
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 CSI (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 48 Hours
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 College Football
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX 
8:00 MLB Playoffs
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 

RATINGS RECAP: 10/18/13

ABC 
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:30 The Neighbors
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 9.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

NBC
8:00 The Michael J. Fox Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:30 Sean Saves the World (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 

FOX
8:00 Masterchef Junior
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Sleepy Hollow (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 

It was a typical Friday night with Shark Tank on top in the demo and Blue Bloods on top of total viewers. CBS was off to a good start with Undercover Boss, which was up a big 1.3 million viewers and half a demo point for a season high. I'm not sure what explains this big rally but it's a nice showing. At 9pm, Hawaii Five-0 didn't benefit from the lead-in as it was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a series low. At 10pm, Blue Bloods was even in viewers and down two tenths in the demo. With the total viewer numbers and problems on other nights for CBS dramas, a 1.3 demo is nothing to worry about for this show. Over on FOX, Masterchef Junior was up a tenth in viewers but down the same in the demo.

On ABC, the comedies were each up a tenth in the demo for their Halloween episodes. Last Man Standing was up two tenths in viewers while The Neighbors was up the same. Will The Neighbors be pulled soon? ABC has to do some thinking about its new comedies and this show. At 9pm, Shark Tank was up two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo while 20/20 closed out the night down two tenths in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. On NBC, Dateline NBC was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It will move to 8pm next week with the season premiere of Grimm at 9pm and the series premiere of Dracula at 10pm.

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: October 19, 2013

GOOD WEEK: FRESHMAN COMEDIES
In a fall where 13 new comedies premiered, it has been tough for any to break through but a number of them got good news this week. Mom, The Crazy Ones, and The Millers got full season orders. Brooklyn Nine-Nine got a full season order AND the much coveted post-Super Bowl slot. The Goldbergs, Sean Saves the World, and Trophy Wife got additional script orders, and Dads, and Back in the Game were up week-to-week (along with The Millers and Sean). Aside from Welcome to the Family, which was cancelled on Friday and The Michael J. Fox Show, every new comedy had at least one thing to be happy about this week.

BAD WEEK: ABC THURSDAY AT 8PM
Since Ugly Betty in the mid 2000s, this slot has been a huge disaster for ABC. Just since Fall of 2009, FlashForward, The Deep End, My Generation, Charlie's Angels, Missing, Last Resort, and Zero Hour have failed here. Now the new Once Upon a Time in Wonderland had a middling 1.7 demo debut that fell hard to a 1.2 this week so it looks like it will join the list. ABC has tried remakes, spinoffs, procedurals, thrillers, and event shows in this slot. But one constant is they've all been dramas. CBS and NBC already have comedies in the hour and FOX has The X Factor so I think ABC needs to either move an existing and established drama like Castle to the hour or try a new dramedy or reality show. Another drama off the line including any of their midseason options will not cut it.

CANCELLATION ALERT: Ironside, Welcome to the Family

Two NBC freshmen series joined the cancellation pile as drama Ironside and comedy Welcome to the Family were cancelled after just a few episodes.

Ironside premiered to pretty much DOA numbers at 6.8 million viewers and a 1.3 demo and it has fallen since then, hitting 4.8 million viewers and a 1.0 demo this past Wednesday night. NBC was hoping this show could surprise like Chicago Fire last year which was also critically panned but continued to exceed expectations. Ironside couldn't overcome the bad reviews and it skewed ancient. It will be added to the list of the many failed TV remakes. Ironside will air one final episode this Wednesday (and I wouldn't be surprised to see a burnoff on Saturdays at some point). After that, Dateline, SNL, and holiday concert specials will fill the void until January when Chicago Fire spinoff Chicago PD premieres on January 8. NBC is hoping that Chicago PD can do the same thing Chicago Fire did in the 10pm timeslot last year but time will tell.

Effective immediately, NBC has pulled Welcome to the Family after three pathetic weeks. It premiered to a horrible 3.0 million viewers and 1.1 demo. It tumbled to a terrible 0.8 demo in week two. Though it rallied a tenth last night, it was not enough for NBC to change its mind. NBC has horrible problems across the board on Thursday but they had to get rid of their weakest link, which was clearly Family. NBC will air a mix of shows in this hour as well including extra episodes of The Voice, double pumping of Parks and Recreation, and specials. On January 2, Community will return for its fifth and supposedly final season at 8pm while Parks will slide to 8:30pm.

With this news, the 22 episode order for The Michael J. Fox Show from the start, and a full season for The Blacklist, only Sean Saves the World doesn't have news yet for NBC. It received an order for additional scripts but no pickup or cancellation decision has been made yet as NBC may want to see how it does after The Voice and some specials. Dracula premieres October 25.

FULL SEASON ALERT: The Millers, The Crazy Ones, Mom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

After three dramas have gotten full season or second season orders, four comedies joined that list in a flurry of TV news on Friday.

CBS newbies The Millers, The Crazy Ones, and Mom all received full season orders today. The Millers, airing behind The Big Bang Theory, is the top rated new comedy. It has been very consistent through three weeks on the air as it has averaged 12.4 million viewers and a 3.2 demo, which is pretty much exactly what it got last night. Its retention out of Big Bang is weak like every show has been but the raw numbers are solid. The Crazy Ones starring Robin Williams got off to a hot start with the best comedy premiere numbers since 2 Broke Girls in September 2011. It has fallen since then but appeared to stabilize last night and has been able to kick off CBS' expansion of its comedy block. Through four episodes, it has averaged 11.6 million viewers and a 2.9 demo. Mom was maybe the least sure thing of the three CBS comedies but with We Are Men already cancelled and big names attached including creator Chuck Lorre and stars Anna Faris and Allison Janney, it was not a surprising pickup. Mom skews older on Mondays but has stabilized with good retention of what it has followed. It will be paired with Mike & Molly in the 9pm hour starting November 4. Through four episodes, Mom has averaged 7.4 million viewers and a 2.2 demo.

It was a fantastic Friday for FOX's Brooklyn Nine-Nine. First off, it received a full season despite a middling start in the ratings. Perhaps even more importantly however, it was given the coveted post-Super Bowl slot along with the previously announced New Girl. This is a huge coup for the freshman comedy which has had critical acclaim but not many eyeballs. Having a Super Bowl episode is great for a show that can appeal to the football crowd, I think. It shows that there is a ton of support for this show behind the scenes at FOX. Through five episodes, Brooklyn has averaged 4.1 million viewers and a 1.8 demo.

These pickups leave only one freshman currently airing on each network with an undecided fate. CBS has Hostages, which is surely going to be cancelled even if it is able to air its full 15 episode season. FOX has Dads, which received an order for more scripts but no full season yet.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/17/13

ABC
8:00 Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Scandal
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 17.8 million, 18-49 demo: 5.2
8:30 The Millers
Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 The Crazy Ones
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:30 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Elementary
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

NBC
8:00 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:30 Welcome to the Family
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Sean Saves the World
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:30 The Michael J. Fox Show
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 MLB Playoffs
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

On Thursday night, The Big Bang Theory on CBS continued to dominate as it was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 8:30pm, The Millers was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for an impressive week three. Yes, retention is bad but this show has been remarkably consistent in its first three weeks which is a good sign. At 9pm, The Crazy Ones was down three tenths in viewers but even in the demo as it seems to be leveling off which is good. Both The Millers and The Crazy Ones got deserved full season orders today. At 9:30pm, Two and a Half Men was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. This show was really propped up by its Big Bang lead-in last year and is showing its age this season. At 10pm, Elementary fell a rough six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo for a series low. This is a pretty bad performance but CBS has bigger problems with its dramas. Still, this seems like it might be Friday or Sunday bound next season.

Over on ABC, week two of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland was down a big 1.3 million viewers and half a demo point. After a mediocre debut last week, this is a big fall and it looks like it will join the long list of Thursday 8pm failures for ABC. They need to do something besides dramas in this hour because every single type of drama they have tried has bombed here since the hour long comedy Ugly Betty. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Scandal popped back up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo after last week's drop. This show has gone from being TV's top 10pm draw to top ABC drama to top network drama in a short time. 

Finally on NBC, the comedy lineup did stop the bleeding which was good, but everything was still just so low and changes to the lineup were announced today with the cancellation of Welcome to the Family. At 8pm, Parks and Recreation was up a tenth in viewers and the demo while the now cancelled Family was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. At 9pm, Sean Saves the World was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. Sean has survived the first round of NBC cancellations which suggests that NBC is still trying to make this show work. At 9:30pm, The Michael J. Fox Show was the only NBC show to not rise int he demo as it was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. This is a problem for NBC. At 10pm, Parenthood was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 4 million viewers, it was the most watched show on NBC last night.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/16/13

ABC
8:00 Toy Story of Terror
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
8:30 Back in the Game
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.1
9:30 Super Fun Night
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Nashville
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 

NBC
8:00 Revolution
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Ironside
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 

FOX
8:00 MLB Baseball
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 

On Wednesday night, ABC started things off with a bang as the new Halloween special Toy Story of Terror delivered excellent numbers. Not only will we likely see this next Halloween again, we will probably also continue to see Toy Story specials with these numbers. The bad news was the big ratings barely helped Back in the Game at 8:30pm as it was actually down a tenth in viewers and up just a tenth in the demo. At 9pm, Modern Family was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 9:30pm, Super Fun Night took another tumble in week three. It was down six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo. Is this continues to drop, why not try The Goldbergs or Trophy Wife in this slot like everyone has been saying since the schedule came out. At 10pm, Nashville was dead even with last week.

CBS had gains across the board. Survivor was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. It's been up and down this season. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was up a tenth in viewers and the demo while CSI was up seven tenths in viewers and also a tenth in the demo at 10pm. On NBC, Revolution was down a tenth in viewers and the demo for another series low. It is withering away on Wednesdays week by week. At 9pm, Law & Order: SVU was up a strong 1.2 million viewers and two tenths in the demo as it rebounded from last week. At 10pm though, Ironside fell another four tenths in viewers and tenth in the demo. NBC is probably waiting to see if things fall apart even more on Thursdays this week before making any decisions on Ironside. FOX had the MLB playoffs and they were slightly stronger than The X Factor.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/15/13

ABC 
8:00 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 The Goldbergs
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:30 Trophy Wife
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Scandal (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS 
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 18.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 14.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
10:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 12.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 The Voice
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
10:00 Chicago Fire
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 

FOX
8:00 Dads
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:30 The Mindy Project
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 

On Tuesday night, NBC finally had its full lineup as The Biggest Loser returned for another season. Down to an hour, the show premiered to pretty good numbers as it helped solidify the hour for NBC. After two cycles a year for many years, one cycle last year and airing just an hour a week has helped this show recover from overexposure. At 9pm, The Voice was up 2.8 million viewers and a full demo point from last week's clip show. This show is a good 9pm anchor as it seems to help both the 8pm and 10pm hours. At 10pm, Chicago Fire was up seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. CBS had a good night. At 8pm, NCIS benefited from The Voice being out of the hour as it was up half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Person of Interest closed out the night with a good showing as it was up a million viewers and two tenths in the demo.

It was another Tuesday and another night of drops for ABC. At 8pm the news was OK though as Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. appears to be stabilizing as it was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. A lot of attention has been given to its drops but if it levels off in the high 2s, that's a good thing for ABC. At 9pm though, The Goldbergs was down another seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. Of ABC's four new comedies, this is arguably the weakest performer because it has a much bigger, albeit incompatible, lead-in. At 9:30pm, Trophy Wife was down seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Despite these low numbers, both The Goldbergs and Trophy Wife got orders for additional scripts so it appears ABC is going to be patient for now.

Finally on FOX, the 8pm hour was basically as strong as the 9pm hour even though every show was in the 1s demo. At 8pm, Dads was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for the best week-to-week performance. This show is defying logic after its critical panning and doesn't seem to be going anywhere yet. At 8:30pm, Brooklyn Nine-Nine was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Both Dads and Brooklyn have had additional scripts ordered. At 9pm, New Girl had the worst week-to-week showing as it was down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. At these numbers, it's not even really being the star of a low block. At 9:30pm, The Mindy Project was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

RATINGS RECAP: 10/14/13

ABC
8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:30 Mom
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
10:00 Hostages
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 13.9 million, 18-49 demo: 4.5
10:00 The Blacklist
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 

FOX
8:00 Bones
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Sleepy Hollow
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 

On Monday night, CBS had its revamped lineup for the first time and the results were mostly positive. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. 2 Broke Girls moved back to its old slot of 8:30pm and it was up seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. More importantly, it was a huge upgrade in the timeslot over the 1.8 demo the cancelled We Are Men got last week. At 9pm, a repeat of The Big Bang Theory was serviceable but not as strong as it sometimes is. At 9:30pm, Mom was up half a million viewers but down a tenth in the demo. Its lead-in was down a tenth too but this show just seems to skew older which means it might be a good companion for Mike & Molly when that show arrives at 9pm on November 4. At 10pm, Hostages was dead even with last week. The only question now is whether CBS will ride out this show for its full 15 episode order.

Over on FOX, Bones was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo for its last Monday airing. It will head to Fridays in November after baseball. At 9pm, Sleepy Hollow was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It will now take two weeks off for baseball and return on November 4 airing after the series premiere of new sci-fi drama Almost Human. The million dollar question now is whether baseball will dull the momentum of Hollow, which has been a huge early season success for FOX. Baseball has been a problem for other fast FOX starters so time will tell. It will have to recover from a couple weeks off and having a new lead-in so we'll see what it's made of.

On NBC, The Voice was down seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo as it didn't perk up for the battle rounds like it has before. At 10pm, The Blacklist was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. It is leveling out right now at a very high level. Its worth noting though that Revolution was at a 3.3 demo a year ago (out of a slightly stronger The Voice). Finally on ABC both shows were up which was a positive. Dancing with the Stars was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Castle was up six tenths in viewers and a good three tenths in the demo. It beat The Blacklist in total viewers for the first time but was still well behind in the demo.