RATINGS RECAP: 2/27/17

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Movie: When We Rise Part 1
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:30 Man with a Plan
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Superior Donuts
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Scorpion
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 Taken
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 24: Legacy
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 APB
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CW
8:00 Supergirl
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Jane the Virgin
Viewers: 0.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3

On Monday night, The Voice was back with a vengeance for NBC. It topped the fall premiere in total viewers and was down just two tenths in the demo. This was a strong showing which is good because I felt like there wasn't a lot of buzz for The Voice's return this spring. But the good news ended there because the series premiere of Taken that followed had a very modest premiere. Despite a better rating from The Voice, it premiered two tenths lower in the demo than Timeless did in the fall following The Voice's third week. This was the chance for it to get sampled and it didn't impress. I also think heavy drops are ahead. After CBS aired a repeat of The Big Bang Theory, it got four straight 1.2 demos from the rest of the shows. Man with a Plan was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, Superior Donuts and Scorpion were both down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo, and 2 Broke Girls was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo.

On ABC, a one hour edition of The Bachelor was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week's two hour episode. It led into the premiere of four part miniseries When We Rise and the results were pretty disastrous (but not shocking) for something that was promoted so heavily during the Oscars and before. Now ABC must air this for three more nights and it's likely to get worse considering it dropped from a 0.8 the first hour to a 0.6 the second hour. ABC would have been better off airing this as an eight part series perhaps Sundays at 10pm instead of giving up so much real estate in prime slots during one week and squandering all that Oscar promotion. The FOX drama lineup finally stabilized. Both 24: Legacy and APB were down four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Finally on the CW, Supergirl was even while Jane the Virgin was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: The Voice (NBC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: When We Rise (ABC)

WEEKLY RECAP: February 20-26, 2017

Here is my weekly recap for Week #23. Please note this only covers regularly scheduled shows (no sports, specials, repeats, or Saturday shows). It also does not cover CW in the ratings section to make past year comparisons more accurate.

Past Week 23s:  2016   2015

TOP 10 SHOWS (18-49 DEMO)
1. The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Thursday 8:00pm) - 2.8    17th week
2. The Bachelor (ABC, Monday 8:00pm) - 2.5    8th week
    This is Us (NBC, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 2.5    16th week
4. Modern Family (ABC, Wednesday 9:00pm) - 2.0    14th week
    Grey's Anatomy (ABC, Thursday 8:00pm) - 2.0    14th week
6. The Goldbergs (ABC, Wednesday 8:00pm) - 1.8    11th week
7. NCIS (CBS, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 1.6    13th week
    Chicago Fire (NBC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 1.6    7th week
    Speechless (ABC, Wednesday 8:30pm) - 1.6    6th week
    Black-ish (ABC, Wednesday 9:30pm) - 1.6    5th week

TOP 10 SHOWS (TOTAL VIEWERS)
1. NCIS (CBS, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 14.9 million    16th week
2. The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Thursday 8:00pm) - 13.4 million    17th week
3. Bull (CBS, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 10.7 million    15th week
4. NCIS: New Orleans (CBS, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 9.6 million    11th week
5. This is Us (NBC, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 9.4 million    12th week
6. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS, Friday 9:00pm) - 9.1 million    13th week
7. The Bachelor (ABC, Monday 8:00pm) - 7.9 million    2nd week
8. Grey's Anatomy (ABC, Thursday 8:00pm) - 7.7 million    4th week
9. Mom (CBS, Thursday 9:00pm) - 7.6 million    6th week
10. Kevin Can Wait (CBS, Monday 8:00pm) - 7.3 million    6th week
     Criminal Minds (CBS, Wednesday 9:00pm) - 7.3 million    4th week
     The Great Indoors (CBS, Thursday 8:30pm) - 7.3 million    4th week

BOTTOM 10 SHOWS (18-49 DEMO)
1. Sleepy Hollow (FOX, Friday 9:00pm) - 0.5    8th week
2. Quantico (ABC, Monday 10:00pm) - 0.6    13th week
    Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 0.6    13th week
    Doubt (CBS, Wednesday 10:00pm) - 0.6    1st week
    Training Day (CBS, Thursday 10:00pm) - 0.6    2nd week
    Emerald City (NBC, Friday 9:00pm) - 0.6    8th week
    Rosewood (FOX, Friday 8:00pm) - 0.6    17th week
8. Bones (FOX, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 0.7    5th week
    Powerless (NBC, Thursday 8:30pm) - 0.7    1st week
    My Kitchen Rules (FOX, Thursday 9:00pm) - 0.7    5th week
    60 Minutes (CBS, Sunday 8:00pm) - 0.7    Special Airing

BOTTOM 10 SHOWS (TOTAL VIEWERS)
1. Sleepy Hollow (FOX, Friday 9:00pm) - 1.8 million    8th week
2. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 2.0 million    15th week
3. My Kitchen Rules (FOX, Thursday 9:00pm) - 2.1 million    7th week
4. New Girl (FOX, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 2.3 million    17th week
    Powerless (NBC, Thursday 8:30pm) - 2.3 million    4th week
6. The Mick (FOX, Tuesday 8:30pm) - 2.4 million    8th week
    Emerald City (NBC, Friday 9:00pm) - 2.4 million    7th week
8. Quantico (ABC, Monday 10:00pm) - 2.5 million    11th week
9. Rosewood (FOX, Friday 8:00pm) - 2.7 million    10th week
10. Bones (FOX, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 2.9 million    5th week
    The Real O'Neals (ABC, Tuesday 9:30pm) - 2.9 million    9th week

WINNERS OF THE NIGHT
Monday - The Bachelor (ABC)    3rd week
Tuesday - This is Us (NBC)    8th week
Wednesday - Black-ish (ABC)    1st week
Thursday - How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)    2nd week
Friday - Shark Tank (ABC)    3rd week
Sunday - None

LOSERS OF THE NIGHT
Monday - APB (FOX)    2nd week
Tuesday - The Mick (FOX)    1st week
Wednesday - Arrow (CW)    2nd week
Thursday - The Blacklist: Redemption (NBC)    1st week (NEW SHOW)
Friday - Sleepy Hollow (FOX)    4th week
Sunday - None

RATINGS RECAP: 2/26/17

ABC
7:00 Oscars: Live from the Red Carpet
Viewers: 15.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
8:30 89th Annual Academy Awards
Viewers: 32.9 million, 18-49 demo: 9.1

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
8:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Movie: Neighbors
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

FOX
7:00 Son of Zorn (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
7:30 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:30 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

Sunday night was Oscar night and while it may have generated the most news in years thanks to the Best Picture flub, it was the lowest rated Oscars in quite awhile, down 1.5 million viewers and 1.4 demo points from last year. The viewer total was the lowest since 2008 and the demo the lowest on record. The moment that had everyone talking didn't even figure in the ratings since it was so late in the night. It could help next year's ratings, however.

PILOT REVIEW: Taken

TAKEN

Starring: Clive Standen, Gaius Charles, Brooklyn Sudano, Monique Gabriela Curnen, Michael Irby, Jose Pablo Cantillo, James Landry Hebert, and Jennifer Beals

Created for Television by Alexander Cary
Written by Alexander Cary, Directed by Alex Graves

Most of the time when there's a TV reboot of a hit movie, I haven't seen the movie. I'm such a TV buff that I have very little time for movies. But Taken is one of those movies I have seen so I am equipped to make comparisons unlike usual. And Taken the TV show suffers greatly compared to the thrilling, albeit occasionally outrageous, film. Set up as a prequel (but also oddly set in modern day), Taken looks at a young version of Liam Neeson's character, played by Clive Standen. He has a personal tragedy in his life when his sister is killed and is out for revenge as he also begins working for the CIA for Christina Hart (Jennifer Beals).

The first thing that jumps out is how much Liam Neeson is missed. Clive Standen is fine as a young Bryan Mills. But Neeson really made the movie what it is. Think about it, that movie really doesn't bring anything new to the table but it was wildly popular and a good portion of that was due to Neeson. So when he's missing, there really isn't anything exciting and unique about this show. It's just another by the books thriller with the usual twists, the fight scenes, etc. Standen doesn't do a bad job but he doesn't have the chops to elevate the show above the material the way Neeson did with the movie.

There really is no way that Taken the series can win. The movie was a thriller from start to finish with such great, tense moments. There's no way that can be sustained as a weekly series. So the show decides to become more of a procedural with Bryan Mills joining the CIA. But the way that the show has adapted itself to make it a sustainable weekly series means it takes away what made Taken the film special. And aside from obviously taking the basics from the movie, I'm not sure that Taken is really even an apt name for this show. Like most movies turned into TV shows, this probably should have stayed just a movie.

WILL I WATCH IT AGAIN?
Probably not. I'm more likely to watch the movie again next time it's on TV.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/24/17

ABC
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Dr. Ken
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 MacGyver
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 Grimm
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Emerald City
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 Rosewood
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Sleepy Hollow
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

CW
8:00 The Vampire Diaries
Viewers: 1.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Reign
Viewers: 0.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.2

On Friday night, CBS saw MacGyver back on the upswing. After tying the series low last week, it was down three tenths in viewers but up two tenths in the demo. At 9pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. On ABC, Last Man Standing was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while Dr. Ken was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 9pm, Shark Tank was up seven tenths in viewers and a nice two tenths in the demo while 20/20 ended the night up eight tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. On NBC, Grimm was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, Emerald City was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, and Dateline NBC was up seven tenths in viewers and even in the demo. On FOX, Rosewood and Sleepy Hollow were both even. Finally on the CW, The Vampire Diaries was even while Reign was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Shark Tank (ABC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Sleepy Hollow (FOX)

CANCELLATION ALERT: Doubt

In the first instance of the entire 2016-17 season, a show has been pulled early from the schedule. CBS has yanked Doubt after just two airings. It will be replaced by a Bull repeat this coming week and then the new season of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders starting March 8.

While CBS isn't officially calling it a cancellation, this is the first time a show has been pulled immediately from a schedule. There was one show with its order trimmed (Notorious) and several other shows that did not get additional episodes ordered. But this is the first to be instantly pulled. How crazy that it took until February.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/23/17

ABC
8:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 How to Get Away with Murder
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 13.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
8:30 The Great Indoors
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Mom
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:30 Life in Pieces
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Training Day
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
8:00 Superstore
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 Powerless
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 The Blacklist
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 The Blacklist: Redemption
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 Masterchef Junior
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 My Kitchen Rules
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CW
8:00 Supernatural
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Riverdale
Viewers: 1.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3

On Thursday night, NBC premiered The Blacklist: Redemption to poor results. But first up, Superstore was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo and Powerless was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The Blacklist returned to its 9pm slot for one week to be a lead-in to the spinoff but it couldn't do any better than its been doing at 10pm lately with a weak 0.9 demo. Then The Blacklist: Redemption premiered to a weak 0.8 demo. This might have been a good idea a couple years ago but people are pretty much over The Blacklist now so it's no surprise that the spinoff was ignored. On CBS, The Big Bang Theory was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while the next three sitcoms each slipped a tenth in the demo. In total viewers, The Great Indoors was down seven tenths while Mom and Life in Pieces were down three tenths. At 10pm, Training Day was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Now that Doubt has been pulled, Training Day is probably safe to air out its full run.

On ABC, Grey's Anatomy was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. The two hour season finale of How to Get Away with Murder followed and was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show has declined of course but it quietly had a very steady year, never going lower than a 1.1 demo or higher than a 1.5 demo. It will most likely return in the same Thursday 10pm slot in Fall 2017. On FOX, Masterchef Junior was up a tenth in viewers and the demo while My Kitchen Rules was even. Finally on the CW, Supernatural was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Riverdale sunk to its first 0.3 demo, dropping a tenth in viewers and the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: The Blacklist: Redemption (NBC)

RATINGS RECAP: 2/22/17

ABC
8:00 The Goldbergs
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Speechless
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:30 Black-ish
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 Match Game
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 Hunted
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Doubt
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

NBC
8:00 Blindspot
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Chicago PD
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Lethal Weapon
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Star
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CW
8:00 Arrow
Viewers: 1.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
9:00 The 100
Viewers: 1.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

On Wednesday night, ABC's comedy lineup was close to last week. The Goldbergs and Speechless were both down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Modern Family managed to cling to a 2.0 demo again as it was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. The viewer total was a new series low. Black-ish was the only comedy to rise. It was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Match Game was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. On CBS, Hunted was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. This has quietly been a very steady show. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was even with last week. Week two of Doubt was down 1.3 million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's DOA premiere. I have to think CBS is going to pull this or Training Day very soon with Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders on deck. My guess is this one with a late March/early April premiere for Borders but we'll see.

On NBC, Blindspot was even to start off the night. At 9pm, Law & Order: SVU was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Chicago PD closed out the night even with last week. FOX aired the just renewed combo of Lethal Weapon and Star. Weapon was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo and Star was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Finally on the CW, Arrow was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a new series low. This show has really fallen apart this year for the CW. It is right with the pack instead of being above them all with The Flash. At 9pm, The 100 was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo for a fourth straight week.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Black-ish (ABC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Arrow (CW)

RENEWAL ALERT: Lethal Weapon, Star

After renewing The Mick yesterday, FOX announced today that two more freshmen have gotten a second season. The Wednesday pair of Lethal Weapon and Star both got second seasons which was not a surprise. Lethal Weapon has been a solid Wednesday lead off all season whether leading into Empire or Star. It is a much needed procedural success story for FOX. Star has bridged the Empire gap and while the Lee Daniels show is certainly no Empire, it has been steady for quite awhile after a couple rough early drops.

These two dramas join The Mick, Bob's Burgers, Empire, Hell's Kitchen, Lucifer, and The Simpsons as official renewals for 2017-18. I won't rehash all of the rest of the FOX shows after going over it yesterday.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/21/17

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 American Housewife
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Fresh Off the Boat
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:30 The Real O'Neals
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 14.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Bull
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 NCIS: New Orleans
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 The Wall
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 This is Us
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Chicago Fire
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 New Girl
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:30 The Mick
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Bones
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CW
8:00 The Flash
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 DC's Legends of Tomorrow
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

On Tuesday night, the NBC dramas were on the upswing after Valentine's Day last week. The Wall was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo for its last airing for now. It will be back at some point, could be as soon as late spring or as late as next season. At 9pm, This is Us was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Chicago Fire closed out the night up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. On CBS, NCIS was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a new series low. Now it's just one of those many shows stuck in the 1s in the demo but its total viewer count still sets it apart. At 9pm, Bull was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while NCIS: New Orleans was back down after last week's crossover bounce. It was down seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

On ABC, everything was within a tenth of last week. The Middle was even while American Housewife was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. At 9pm, Fresh Off the Boat recovered a bit from last week's drop as it was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The Real O'Neals followed and was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. Finally, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. On FOX, New Girl was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while the just-renewed The Mick was down a tenth in viewers and the demo for a series low. Go figure but I still think it deserved a renewal. At 9pm, Bones was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. Finally, the CW lineup returned from a week off and The Flash was down a tenth in viewers and the demo while DC's Legends of Tomorrow was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: This is Us (NBC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: The Mick (FOX)

WEEKLY RECAP: February 13-19, 2017

Here is my weekly recap for Week #22. Please note this only covers regularly scheduled shows (no sports, specials, repeats, or Saturday shows). It also does not cover CW in the ratings section to make past year comparisons more accurate.

Past Week 22s:  2016   2015

TOP 10 SHOWS (18-49 DEMO)
1. The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Thursday 8:00pm) - 2.8    16th week
2. The Bachelor (ABC, Monday 8:00pm) - 2.4    7th week
    This is Us (NBC, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 2.4    15th week
4. Grey's Anatomy (ABC, Thursday 8:00pm) - 2.1    13th week
5. Modern Family (ABC, Wednesday 9:00pm) - 2.0    13th week
6. NCIS (CBS, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 1.8    12th week
    The Goldbergs (ABC, Wednesday 8:00pm) - 1.8    10th week
8. Speechless (ABC, Wednesday 8:30pm) - 1.6    5th week
    Scandal (ABC, Thursday 9:00pm) - 1.6    4th week
    The Great Indoors (CBS, Thursday 8:30pm) - 1.6    6th week

TOP 10 SHOWS (TOTAL VIEWERS)
1. NCIS (CBS, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 15.3 million    15th week
2. The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Thursday 8:00pm) - 13.5 million    16th week
3. Bull (CBS, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 10.6 million    14th week
4. 60 Minutes (CBS, Sunday 7:00pm) - 10.4 million    17th week
5. NCIS: New Orleans (CBS, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 10.3 million    10th week
6. Blue Bloods (CBS, Friday 10:00pm) - 10.2 million    15th week
7. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS, Friday 9:00pm) - 9.6 million    12th week
8. This is Us (NBC, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 9.0 million    11th week
9. NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS, Sunday 8:00pm) - 8.6 million    12th week
10. The Great Indoors (CBS, Thursday 8:30pm) - 8.0 million    3rd week

BOTTOM 10 SHOWS (18-49 DEMO)
1. Sleepy Hollow (FOX, Friday 9:00pm) - 0.5    7th week
2. Quantico (ABC, Monday 10:00pm) - 0.6    12th week
    Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 0.6    12th week
    Emerald City (NBC, Friday 9:00pm) - 0.6    7th week
    Rosewood (FOX, Friday 8:00pm) - 0.6    16th week
    Dateline NBC (NBC, Sunday 7:00pm) - 0.6    2nd week
7. Timeless (NBC, Monday 10:00pm) - 0.7    3rd week
    Training Day (CBS, Thursday 10:00pm) - 0.7    1st week
    My Kitchen Rules (FOX, Thursday 9:00pm) - 0.7    4th week
    To Tell the Truth (ABC, Sunday 10:00pm) - 0.7    3rd week
    Elementary (CBS, Sunday 10:00pm) - 0.7    14th week
    Son of Zorn (FOX, Sunday 8:30pm) - 0.7    2nd week

BOTTOM 10 SHOWS (TOTAL VIEWERS)
1. Son of Zorn (FOX, Sunday 8:30pm) - 1.6 million    9th week
2. Sleepy Hollow (FOX, Friday 9:00pm) - 1.8 million    7th week
3. Bob's Burgers (FOX, Sunday 9:30pm) - 2.0 million    8th week
4. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 2.1 million    14th week
    New Girl (FOX, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 2.1 million    16th week
    My Kitchen Rules (FOX, Thursday 9:00pm) - 2.1 million    6th week
7. Family Guy (FOX, Sunday 9:00pm) - 2.3 million    8th week
8. Quantico (ABC, Monday 10:00pm) - 2.4 million    10th week
    The Simpsons (FOX, Sunday 8:00pm) - 2.4 million    5th week
10. The Mick (FOX, Tuesday 8:30pm) - 2.5 million    7th week
     Powerless (NBC, Thursday 8:30pm) - 2.5 million    3rd week
     Emerald City (NBC, Friday 9:00pm) - 2.5 million    6th week

WINNERS OF THE NIGHT
Monday - Superior Donuts (CBS)    2nd week
Tuesday - NCIS: New Orleans (CBS)    2nd week
Wednesday - Chicago PD (NBC)    1st week
Thursday - The Great Indoors (CBS)    3rd week
Friday - None
Sunday - NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)    3rd week

LOSERS OF THE NIGHT
Monday - APB (FOX)    1st week
Tuesday - Fresh Off the Boat (ABC)    1st week
Wednesday - Doubt (CBS)    1st week (NEW SHOW)
Thursday - Masterchef Junior (FOX)    1st week
Friday - MacGyver (CBS)    1st week
Sunday - Son of Zorn (FOX)    2nd week

RATINGS RECAP: 2/20/17

ABC

8:00 The Bachelor

Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5

10:00 Quantico

Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS

8:00 Kevin Can Wait

Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

8:30 Man with a Plan

Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

9:00 Superior Donuts

Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

9:30 2 Broke Girls

Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

10:00 Scorpion

Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC

8:00 American Ninja Warrior All-Stars

Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

10:00 Timeless

Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX

8:00 24: Legacy

Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

9:00 APB

Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CW
8:00 Supergirl

Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

9:00 Jane the Virgin

Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

On Monday night, the most sturdy franchise on TV had another great night for ABC. The Bachelor was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season high. Broadcast TV keeps declining and The Bachelor just keeps on ticking. At 10pm, Quantico was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. On CBS, Kevin Can Wait was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Man with a Plan was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 9pm, Superior Donuts was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. After a couple solid weeks, this was a weaker showing but I still feel pretty good about its chances. At 9:30pm, 2 Broke Girls was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Scorpion ended the night also down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo.

NBC aired a fairly young-skewing American Ninja Warrior special at 8pm ahead of next week's return of The Voice. It was followed by the season finale of Timeless, which was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. It recovered some from its ugly 0.6 demo a couple weeks ago but I don't think it recovered enough to get a renewal. I wouldn't completely count it out yet though. It was another rough night for the new FOX lineup. 24: Legacy was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo while APB was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in th edemo to a very weak 0.8. I get why FOX wanted to try this new lineup but it's already weaker than the Gotham/Lucifer combo. Finally on the CW, Supergirl was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Jane the Virgin was even.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: The Bachelor (ABC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: APB (FOX)

RENEWAL ALERT: The Mick

FOX announced today that it has renewed freshman comedy The Mick for a second season. The Kaitlin Olson sitcom got a strong premiere airing out of an NFL doubleheader on the last Sunday of the regular season. Then given a tough Tuesday 8:30pm timeslot, it has had a small but loyal audience and has often built on its New Girl lead-in. FOX seemed to really be behind it from the start and considering the number of problems FOX is having, The Mick is doing just fine.

The Mick joins Bob's Burgers, Empire, Hell's Kitchen, Lucifer, and The Simpsons as official renewals for next season. Sure to join them are Family Guy, Gotham, Lethal Weapon, and Masterchef Junior. It's looking good for Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Star. On the bubble is 24: Legacy, The Last Man on Earth, My Kitchen Rules, New Girl, Rosewood, and Sleepy Hollow. Finally, it's not looking good for APB, The Exorcist, Pitch, Scream Queens, and Son of Zorn though a surprise renewal for one of those shows in the last group wouldn't shock me. Still to premiere is Making History, Kicking & Screaming, Making History, and the return of Prison Break.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/19/17

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:00 Movie: Tangled
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
10:00 To Tell the Truth
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:00 The Good Fight
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 Elementary
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:00 The Paley Center Salutes NBC's 90th Anniversary
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX
7:00 Son of Zorn (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 Son of Zorn
Viewers: 1.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

On a Sunday night with no major events, it was very quiet across the board. On CBS, 60 Minutes was up two million viewers but down two tenths in the demo. It was followed by the sneak preview of new CBS All-Access series The Good Fight. It skewed very old with a 0.7 demo but it did deliver 7.2 million viewers and demos don't matter for streaming services. It may be awhile before we find out if this ultimately was a successful experiment. Despite a special time and following a 0.7 demo, NCIS: Los Angeles was solid with a 1.1 at 9pm. Elementary ended the night down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo with its last airing. On ABC, America's Funniest Home Videos was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. After an airing of Tangled, the last scheduled To Tell the Truth (for now) tied a series low at 10pm. A special saluting NBC's 90th Anniversary was mostly ignored. Maybe it will do better for a 100th anniversary event in 10 years. Finally on FOX, everything was just up a tenth in the demo from last week's really low airings against the Grammys. They should have done better here and it wasn't a good end for the season finale of Son of Zorn.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Son of Zorn (FOX)

RATINGS RECAP: 2/17/17

ABC
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:30 Dr. Ken
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 MacGyver
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 10.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 Grimm
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Emerald City
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

FOX
8:00 Rosewood
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Sleepy Hollow
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

CW
8:00 The Vampire Diaries
Viewers: 1.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Reign
Viewers: 0.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.2

It was a generally down to even Friday night for the broadcast networks. On CBS, MacGyver tied a series low by dropping eight tenths in viewers and a rough three tenths in the demo. Hawaii Five-0 was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Blue Bloods was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. On ABC, Last Man Standing was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while Dr. Ken was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 9pm, Shark Tank was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, 20/20 was down half a million viewers and even in the demo. On NBC, Grimm was down a tenth in viewers and up a tenth in the demo, Emerald City was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo, and Dateline NBC was down three tenths in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. On FOX, Rosewood was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Sleepy Hollow was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Finally on the CW, The Vampire Diaries and Reign were both down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Fridays are pretty boring to report on!

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: None
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: MacGyver (CBS)

PILOT REVIEW: Doubt

DOUBT

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Dule Hill, Laverne Cox, Dreama Walker, Kobi Libii, with Steven Pasquale, and Elliott Gould

Created by Joan Rater and Tony Phelan
Written by Joan Rater & Tony Phelan, Directed by Adam Bernstein

Doubt is a new legal drama with a great cast but a pretty standard story. Sadie Ellis (Katherine Heigl) is top attorney who has fallen for one of her clients, Billy Brennan (Steven Pasquale). Her firm includes TV veterans Dule Hill, Laverne Cox, Dreama Walker, and Elliott Gould.

The strongest element to this show is definitely the cast. I am not always a Katherine Heigl fan but she has found a much better vehicle for herself here than State of Affairs, where she was horribly miscast. This is a better role but also she's more of an ensemble which also works better. The rest of the cast is notable too. Elliott Gould is a standout early on and the show got a lot of attention due to the casting of Laverne Cox. The show makes a passing reference to transgender issues but otherwise seems to purposely make it no big deal. Additionally, I have liked Dule Hill since The West Wing and Dreama Walker was the only thing I liked about Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. On top of that, we had Donna Murphy and Judith Light in guest roles.

The story and the script isn't bad but it's also nothing special. However, a strong cast can elevate average material and that seems quite likely to happen with Doubt. The biggest problem is I'm not totally invested in what appears to be a season-long case, the one involving Steven Pasquale. I also rolled my eyes a bit at the fact that Heigl and Pasquale's characters have fallen in love. I was actually more intrigued by the case of the week than the ongoing case.

I did like that this is a legal drama that doesn't seem to take itself too seriously. There was some funny dialogue between Heigl and Hill, between Cox and Walker, and from Gould in general. It's too bad (but not surprising) that this show bombed in the ratings because it's a more ambitious CBS show in some ways. Yes, it's a standard legal drama but it feels a little less procedural-y than the average CBS drama and if CBS is going to catch flak for having white men front all of their fall shows, they also deserve some credit for the casting of Laverne Cox. All in all, I liked Doubt but I'm certainly not getting attached after seeing the ratings.

WILL I WATCH IT AGAIN?
Yes, I may be one of the few who will watch it for as long as CBS will keep it on the air (which probably won't be long).

RATINGS RECAP: 2/16/17

ABC
8:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Scandal
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 How to Get Away with Murder
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 13.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
8:30 The Great Indoors
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Mom
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:30 Life in Pieces
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Training Day
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

NBC
8:00 Superstore
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 Powerless
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Chicago Med
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 The Blacklist
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 Masterchef Junior
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
9:00 My Kitchen Rules
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CW
8:00 Supernatural
Viewers: 1.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Riverdale
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

On Thursday night, The Big Bang Theory on CBS went below a 3.0 demo for the first time since its first season. It was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. The last time it went below a 3.0 demo was May 19, 2008. It has had an incredible run - nearly 8 1/2 years - at a 3.0 demo or above but all good things must come to an end and it was still easily Thursday's top show. This happened at an interesting time as it sounds like CBS is closing in on a two year renewal for its top comedy and its very expensive stars. In yet another very odd rating point, The Great Indoors was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. I don't know why this show seems to do better every time that Big Bang does worse. At 9pm, Mom was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Life in Pieces was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Training Day inched down again, dropping six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo to go lower than any Thursday Pure Genius airing. This is a dead show walking.

On ABC, the drama lineup finally stabilized. All three shows were even in the demo. In total viewers, Grey's Anatomy was down eight tenths, Scandal was down a tenth, and How to Get Away with Murder was down two tenths. On NBC, Superstore was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo and Powerless was even. Chicago Med managed to inch up from last week's series low. It was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, The Blacklist was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. On FOX, Masterchef Junior was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere for a rough second week while My Kitchen Rules was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Finally on the CW, Supernatural was up a tenth in viewers and the demo while Riverdale was down a tenth in viewers and the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: The Great Indoors (CBS)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Masterchef Junior (FOX)

RATINGS RECAP: 2/15/17

ABC
8:00 The Goldbergs
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:30 Speechless
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:30 Black-ish
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Match Game
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 Hunted
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Doubt
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 Blindspot
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 Chicago PD
Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Lethal Weapon
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Star
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CW
8:00 Arrow
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 The 100
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

On Wednesday night, CBS had a DOA premiere with Doubt. The new drama skewed very old and was completely ignored in the demo with a 0.8. So will CBS replace this or Training Day with Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders before the season ends? And this can't be bad news for Code Black, which routinely was doing at least a little bit better than this in the same slot. Earlier in the night, Hunted was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while Criminal Minds was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. On NBC, Blindspot had an ugly week, dropping half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo for a new series low. This might be the final nail in the coffin for Blindspot. At 9pm, Law & Order: SVU was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's 400th episode. Despite the two tenths drops for the first two dramas, Chicago PD was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

On ABC, three comedies were steady but centerpiece Modern Family had an ugly drop. First up, The Goldbergs was up three tenths in viewers and even in the demo while Speechless was up a tenth in viewers and also even in the demo. Then came Modern Family, which was randomly down four tenths in viewers and a rough three tenths in the demo to tie a series low. I'm not sure what happened here or why it dropped so hard when everything around it was steady but I do think it'll get into the 1st for the first time ever sometime this season. At 9:30pm, Black-ish was even while Match Game was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. On FOX, Lethal Weapon was up a tenth in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Star was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. Finally on the CW, Arrow and The 100 were both up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Chicago PD (NBC)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Doubt (CBS)

RATINGS RECAP: 2/14/17

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 American Housewife
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Fresh Off the Boat
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:30 The Real O'Neals
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 15.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Bull
Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 NCIS: New Orleans
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Wall
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 This is Us
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Chicago Fire
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
8:00 New Girl
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
8:30 The Mick
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Bones
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

CW
8:00 Tough Mudder: The Challenge Within
Viewers: 0.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.2
9:00 The Flash (Repeat)
Viewers: 0.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.2

On Valentine's Day, most shows were down a little bit but they were not hit that hard probably because Valentine's Day landing midweek meant less of a damper on TV watching. CBS had the steadiest week with two shows actually rising in the demo. NCIS was down three tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. Bull was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. A crossover with NCIS helped NCIS: New Orleans gets out of the doldrums of the last couple episodes as it was up 1.3 million viewers and two tenths in the demo. The viewer total was the best since September. On NBC, The Wall was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This is Us was dinged a bit by the holiday, dropping six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 10pm, Chicago Fire was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo.

On ABC, The Middle was down a tenth in viewers and the demo while American Housewife was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. This is the first time since December 6 that Housewife has matched Middle in the demo. At 9pm, Fresh Off the Boat was noticeably down more than the other comedies and even other network shows. It dropped a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a season low. At 9:30pm, The Real O'Neals was up a tenth in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. At 10pm, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. Finally on FOX, New Girl was down a tenth in viewers and the demo, The Mick was even, and Bones was down a tenth in viewers and up a tenth in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: NCIS: New Orleans (CBS)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Fresh Off the Boat (ABC)

RENEWAL ALERT: Superstore

NBC handed out another early renewal today. This time it was to Superstore for a third season. The show gave NBC's comedy department a much needed pulse last season and it was tapped to lead off the Thursday lineup this year. It has done OK, managing to not get fractional yet in the demo. It also has some critical goodwill and is the closest thing NBC has to a comedy centerpiece at this point.

Superstore joins The Good Place, This is Us, and The Voice as early renewals for next season. Sure to join them are Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Law & Order: SVU, and The Wall. Likely renewals include Chicago Med and The Blacklist. On the bubble is The New Celebrity Apprentice and Blindspot, and it's not looking good for Emerald City, Powerless, and Timeless. Still to premiere this season is The Blacklist: Redemption, Taken, Chicago Justice, Trial & Error, Great News, and new seasons of Little Big Shots and Shades of Blue.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/13/17

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Quantico
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

CBS
8:00 Kevin Can Wait
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Man with a Plan
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Superior Donuts
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
10:00 Scorpion
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 The Wall (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 The New Celebrity Apprentice
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 Timeless
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX
8:00 24: Legacy
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 APB
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CW
8:00 Supergirl
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Jane the Virgin
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

On Monday night, NBC had the season finale of The New Celebrity Apprentice and it was even with last week's two hour episode. This was pretty low rated but I don't think it was to the point of not having a chance of renewal as a filler. I could still see it come back but it may not be in the 2017-18 season and may not be with Arnold Schwarzenegger. At 10pm, Timeless recovered just slightly from last week's terrible fall as it was up a tenth in viewers and the demo. CBS was very close to last week across the board. Kevin Can Wait and Superior Donuts were both even while Man with a Plan was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, 2 Broke Girls was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo, and Scorpion was down six tenths in viewers and even in the demo. This is probably most encouraging for Superior Donuts, which is holding up well and fitting in nicely to the comedy lineup. I think its chances of getting a second season are very good at this point.

The FOX newbies didn't fare as well as Donuts. Week two of 24: Legacy was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. So much for the Super Bowl giving this show a boost as its already down to a 1.2. But the news was even worse for APB, which was down a rough 1.6 million viewers and half a demo point from last week's promising start. This was a big rejection week to week and probably will doom this show. On ABC, The Bachelor was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, easily topping all Monday shows. At 10pm, Quantico continued to squander its lead-in, dropping two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, tying a series low. ABC should just pull this show, honestly. They could get more mileage airing a game show here for the rest of the season. Finally on the CW, Supergirl was up a tenth in viewers and the demo while Jane the Virgin was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Superior Donuts (CBS)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: APB (FOX)

WEEKLY RECAP: February 6-12, 2017

Here is my weekly recap for Week #21. Please note this only covers regularly scheduled shows (no sports, specials, repeats, or Saturday shows). It also does not cover CW in the ratings section to make past year comparisons more accurate.

Past Week 21s:  2016   2015

TOP 10 SHOWS (18-49 DEMO)
1. The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Thursday 8:00pm) - 3.0    15th week
2. This is Us (NBC, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 2.6    14th week
3. The Bachelor (ABC, Monday 8:00pm) - 2.4    6th week
4. Modern Family (ABC, Wednesday 9:00pm) - 2.3    12th week
5. Grey's Anatomy (ABC, Thursday 8:00pm) - 2.1    12th week
6. The Goldbergs (ABC, Wednesday 8:00pm) - 1.8    9th week
7. NCIS (CBS, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 1.7    11th week
8. The Middle (ABC, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 1.6    5th week
    Speechless (ABC, Wednesday 8:30pm) - 1.6    4th week
    Law & Order: SVU (NBC, Wednesday 9:00pm) - 1.6    1st week
    Scandal (ABC, Thursday 9:00pm) - 1.6    3rd week

TOP 10 SHOWS (TOTAL VIEWERS)
1. NCIS (CBS, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 15.6 million    14th week
2. The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Thursday 8:00pm) - 14.2 million    15th week
3. Bull (CBS, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 10.8 million    13th week
4. Blue Bloods (CBS, Friday 10:00pm) - 10.7 million    14th week
5. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS, Friday 9:00pm) - 9.9 million    11th week
6. This is Us (NBC, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 9.6 million    10th week
7. NCIS: New Orleans (CBS, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 9.0 million    9th week
8. Grey's Anatomy (ABC, Thursday 8:00pm) - 8.5 million    3rd week
9. 60 Minutes (CBS, Sunday 7:00pm) - 8.4 million    16th week
10. MacGyver (CBS, Friday 8:00pm) - 8.0 million    4th week

BOTTOM 10 SHOWS (18-49 DEMO)
1. Sleepy Hollow (FOX, Friday 9:00pm) - 0.5    6th week
2. Timeless (NBC, Monday 10:00pm) - 0.6    2nd week
    Emerald City (NBC, Friday 9:00pm) - 0.6    6th week
    Son of Zorn (FOX, Sunday 8:30pm) - 0.6    1st week
5. Quantico (ABC, Monday 10:00pm) - 0.7    11th week
    Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 0.7    11th week
    Bones (FOX, Tuesday 9:00pm) - 0.7    4th week
    Grimm (NBC, Friday 8:00pm) - 0.7    6th week
    Dateline NBC (NBC, Friday 10:00pm) - 0.7    7th week
    Rosewood (FOX, Friday 8:00pm) - 0.7    15th week
    Dateline NBC (NBC, Sunday 7:00pm) - 0.7    1st week

BOTTOM 10 SHOWS (TOTAL VIEWERS)
1. Son of Zorn (FOX, Sunday 8:30pm) - 1.4 million    8th week
2. Bob's Burgers (FOX, Sunday 9:30pm) - 1.7 million    7th week
3. Family Guy (FOX, Sunday 9:00pm) - 1.9 million    7th week
4. Sleepy Hollow (FOX, Friday 9:00pm) - 2.0 million    6th week
5. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, Tuesday 10:00pm) - 2.1 million    13th week
6. New Girl (FOX, Tuesday 8:00pm) - 2.2 million    15th week
7. Emerald City (NBC, Friday 9:00pm) - 2.3 million    5th week
8. The Simpsons (FOX, Sunday 8:00pm) - 2.4 million    4th week
9. The Mick (FOX, Tuesday 8:30pm) - 2.5 million    6th week
    Powerless (NBC, Thursday 8:30pm) - 2.5 million    2nd week
    My Kitchen Rules (FOX, Thursday 9:00pm) - 2.5 million    5th week

WINNERS OF THE NIGHT
Monday - APB (FOX)    1st week (NEW SHOW)
Tuesday - This is Us (NBC)    7th week
Wednesday - Law & Order: SVU (NBC)    2nd week
Thursday - Masterchef Junior (FOX)    1st week (New Season)
Friday - Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)    5th week
Sunday - Grammy Awards (CBS)    Special Airing

LOSERS OF THE NIGHT
Monday - Timeless (NBC)    6th week
Tuesday - NCIS: New Orleans (CBS)    2nd week
Wednesday - Chicago PD (NBC)    2nd week
Thursday - Powerless (NBC)    1st week
Friday - Reign (CW)    1st week (New Season)
Sunday - Family Guy (FOX)    1st week

RATINGS RECAP: 2/12/17

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:00 Movie: The Blind Side
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
7:30 Grammy Red Carpet Live
Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
8:00 Grammy Awards
Viewers: 26.1 million, 18-49 demo: 7.8

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
8:00 Movie: Fast & Furious 6
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX
7:00 Son of Zorn (Repeat)
Viewers: 0.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
7:30 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:30 Son of Zorn
Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

Sunday night had the Grammys on CBS and music's biggest night delivered big numbers as usual. It was up just over a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last year's Monday night telecast. The Grammys used to be one of many awards shows but have turned into a major event that can only be topped by the Oscars. FOX aired originals against the Grammys and they must feel foolish for doing so. Son of Zorn and Family Guy crashed to series lows while The Simpsons tied a series low and Bob's Burgers came close. It was particularly ugly for Family Guy, which had a 0.9 demo after its previous low was 1.2. ABC and NBC aired movies and ABC's The Blind Side topped NBC's Fast & Furious 6.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Grammy Awards (CBS)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Family Guy (FOX)

RENEWAL ALERT: Lucifer

FOX announced today that it has renewed Lucifer for a third season. The surprisingly steady Monday night drama is currently on hiatus for 24: Legacy and APB and it won't be back until late April but FOX gave it a vote of confidence by already renewing it. With this season lasting into the summer, it's possible Lucifer may not be back until midseason in 2017-18.

Lucifer joins Bob's Burgers, Empire, Hell's Kitchen, and The Simpsons as official renewals for next season. Sure to join them are Family Guy, Gotham, Lethal Weapon, and Masterchef Junior. Likely renewals include Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mick, and Star. On the bubble is 24: Legacy, APB, The Last Man on Earth, New Girl, Rosewood, and Son of Zorn. And it's not looking good for The Exorcist, My Kitchen Rules, Pitch, Scream Queens, and Sleepy Hollow. Still to premiere is Making History, Kicking & Screaming, Shots Fired, and the Prison Break revival.

RENEWAL ALERT: Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder

ABC announced on Friday that they renewed their three TGIT dramas for the 2017-18 season. It will be an impressive 14th season for Grey's Anatomy, a 7th season for Scandal, and a 4th season for How to Get Away with Murder. None of these renewals were ever in doubt and though they are not as red hot as they once were, they are still a very solid lineup together. It is likely that Grey's will continue to be a full season and Murder contractually only does 16 episodes a year. The question mark is Scandal, which had a shorter season this year due to Kerry Washington's pregnancy. Will it continue as a midyear entry or will it be back in the fall?

The three dramas join The Middle as official renewals for next year. Sure to join them are Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor, The Goldbergs, Modern Family, Black-ish, and Shark Tank. Also looking good are American Housewife, Fresh Off the Boat Speechless, Designated Survivor, Last Man Standing, and probably Dr. Ken, On the bubble are Quantico, The Real O'Neals, and Once Upon a Time, and it's not happening for Conviction, Notorious, and Secrets and Lies. Still to premiere are Time After Time and Imaginary Mary and new seasons of American Crime and The Catch.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/10/17

ABC
8:00 Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CBS
8:00 MacGyver
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
9:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

NBC
8:00 Grimm
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Emerald City
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX
8:00 Rosewood
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 Sleepy Hollow
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

CW
8:00 The Vampire Diaries
Viewers: 1.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 Reign
Viewers: 0.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.2

On a quiet Friday night, the CW had the season premiere of Reign. First up though, The Vampire Diaries was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The premiere of the final season of Reign followed and was in line with Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's numbers with 0.8 million viewers and a 0.2 demo, tying its series low. Can it also avoid a 0.1 demo as Crazy did? The entire CBS lineup was up from last week. MacGyver was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, Hawaii Five-0 was up a tenth in viewers and up two tenths in the demo, and Blue Bloods was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. On ABC, Shark Tank followed a Charlie Brown special instead of the comedies and was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. At 10pm, 20/20 was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo. NBC was very weak with nothing topping a 0.7 demo. Grimm was down a tenth in viewers and the demo, Emerald City was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo, and Dateline NBC was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Finally on FOX, Rosewood was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while Sleepy Hollow was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Reign (CW)

RATINGS RECAP: 2/9/17

ABC
8:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
9:00 Scandal
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
10:00 How to Get Away with Murder
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 14.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
8:30 The Great Indoors
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Mom
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo; 1.5
9:30 Life in Pieces
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Training Day
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8

NBC
8:00 Superstore
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:30 Powerless
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Chicago Med
Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
10:00 The Blacklist
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 Masterchef Junior
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 My Kitchen Rules
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

CW
8:00 Supernatural
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 Riverdale
Viewers: 1.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5

On Thursday night, two new shows fell fractional while almost everything was down. FOX had the season premiere of Masterchef Junior and it delivered a solid 1.3 demo, beating NBC's entire lineup and the last couple episodes of Hell's Kitchen. This show does well wherever FOX puts it. It also helped My Kitchen Rules, which was back to its premiere rating, up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. On NBC, Superstore was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. After an acceptable premiere last week, Powerless fell apart in week two, dropping six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. Considering the low demo for The Good Place was a 1.0, this was a very disappointing second week and probably knocks it out of renewal conversation barring a surprising recovery. At 9pm, Chicago Med was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a new series low while The Blacklist was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo.

On CBS, The Big Bang Theory was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo for a season low. At 8:30pm. The Great Indoors was new for the first time in three weeks and was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 9pm, Mom was down 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week, when it followed the strong preview of Superior Donuts. At 9:30pm, Life in Pieces was down half a million viewers and even in the demo. At 10pm, week two of Training Day was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show is already at the point where it's just riding out the string. On ABC, Grey's Anatomy was even in viewers and down two tenths in the demo, Scandal was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while How to Get Away with Murder was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. All three TGIT dramas were renewed on Friday for the 2017-18 season. Finally on the CW, Supernatural was even while Riverdale was even in viewers and up a tenth in the demo for an encouraging third week. Considering No Tomorrow only hit a 0.5 once and Frequency never did, the fact that Riverdale has twice now probably helps its renewal chances greatly.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: Masterchef Junior (FOX)
LOSER OF THE NIGHT: Powerless (NBC)