Sunday, September 18, 2005

Fall 2005 Begins Tomorrow, SitcomsOnline.com Previews What We Think the Ratings Winners Will Be

After a long summer which saw a lot of repeats and few new shows such as Dancing with the Stars, the fall line-up officially starts tomorrow night with shows such as the sitcom Out of Practice. So as we have no idea what rookies will do well in the ratings yet, it should be fun determining which will do well. Personally, I think the ABC drama Invasion will be the highest rated new series, Everybody Hates Chris will probably break UPN records, and a few others could potentially do well. So, let's try to analyze the overall timeslot leader and the adults 18-49 slot leader for each hour.

SUNDAYS
7:00PM -
Overall: 60 Minutes (CBS)
18-49: America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC)
My Analysis: While NFL Overrun on FOX and/or CBS will probably dominate this slot until the end of December, look for these two winners if the NFL game doesn't go over the limit.
8:00PM -
Overall: Cold Case (CBS) and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
18-49: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
My Analysis: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will sometimes beat Cold Case in overall ratings, but look for the family reality series to score big in adults 18-49.
9:00PM -
Overall: Desperate Housewives (ABC)
18-49: Desperate Housewives (ABC)
My Analysis: Total domination from those Housewives. I think the ratings will be even bigger than last season--watch out CSI! Law & Order: CI and Family Guy will be a distant second place in total viewers and adults 18-49.
10:00PM -
Overall: Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
18-49: Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
My Analysis: Another dominating hour for ABC. Grey can hold much of DH's audience, expect 75% at least.
Easy and big win for ABC for the night. CBS and NBC will battle for second.

MONDAYS
8:00PM -
Overall: The King of Queens/How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
18-49: The King of Queens/How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
My Analysis: King of Queens is back on Monday joining newcomer How I Met Your Mother, who got a great review from us. Should be an easy win for CBS in the hour. Surface will die fast for NBC and no matter where FOX's Arrested Development will air, it won't be a hit ratings wise. 7th Heaven could even be second place in adults 18-49.
9:00PM -
Overall: Two and a Half Men (CBS)/Monday Night Football (ABC)
18-49: Monday Night Football (ABC)
My Analysis: It should be interesting how much of a drop, if any, will Two and a Half Men will have from last season's time slot occupant--Everybody Loves Raymond. I think it won't be too bad, but Out of Practice should drop a bit and below last season's average for Men for sure, so that is why I think MNF will either tie or even win the hour overall and for sure win in adults 18-49, especially tomorrow with the emotional game involving the New Orleans Saints.
10:00PM -
Overall: CSI: Miami (CBS)
18-49: CSI: Miami (CBS)
My Analysis: Miami will score well and will build on the sitcom hour, like it did last season. MNF will stay consistent or drop a bit from the 9 p.m. hour.
CBS and ABC will do very well on Mondays. NBC will do average with Las Vegas and Medium, Surface will probably score even below last year's fading Fear Factor.

TUESDAYS:
8:00PM -
Overall: Navy NCIS (CBS)
18-49: According to Jim (ABC)/Bones (FOX)
My Analysis: Easy win for Navy NCIS overall. It all depends on how Bones will do in its second airing, if it drops big, then I'd think According to Jim and Rodney could win the slot in viewers 18-49. Rodney has shown that it could hold most of Jim's audience.
9:00PM -
Overall: House, M.D. (FOX)
18-49: House, M.D. (FOX)
My Analysis: I'm still not going to totally confirm a sweep for House, until I see how it does this week against some tough competition in the season finale of Big Brother 6 and the much anticipated Dancing with the Stars: Dance-Off. The sleeper hit of the hour could be ABC's new series Commander in Chief which premieres a week from Tuesday. Watch out for that one House! NBC has seen great reviews for their ONLY new sitcom for the fall My Name is Earl, but it will be lost in the tough hour and will be dead on arrival, or somewhere close to that. Will NBC do what FOX has done with Arrested Development? I don't think so, NBC needs a hit FAST, especially in the comedy department.
10:00PM -
Overall: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)
18-49: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)
My Analysis: SVU will now be the highest rated L&O series this season. It should give NBC a big boost for their Tuesday average. What was CBS thinking canceling Judging Amy for new series Close to Home? Now just for that ABC's relocated Boston Legal should be second place in both measures.
CBS or FOX will probably win the night with ABC a wildcard since Chief could be a big hit. NBC will stay the same as last season or do even worse on Tuesdays.

WEDNESDAYS
8:00PM -
Overall: The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (NBC)
18-49: The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (NBC)
My Analysis: This should be a bunched up hour. Martha will not be a big hit and will not dominate but it will win the hour by a few points only in both measures. George Lopez/Freddie could have the Lost halo effect and win the hour in adults 18-49 even. ABC has scheduled a Lost special for this Wednesday, so let's see how Martha can handle it. CBS's Yes, Dear will probably build on Still Standing.
9:00PM -
Overall: Lost (ABC)
18-49: Lost (ABC)
My Analysis: Lost is the clear winner and now airing in a later time-slot, will even attract more viewers. The real question is, who will be second place? Will it be E-Ring or Criminal Minds? Both are rookies and will battle for second. UPN's Veronica Mars is also airing in this hour now.
10:00PM -
Overall: Invasion (ABC)
18-49: Invasion (ABC)
My Analysis: Last season we finally saw that the long running hit Law & Order could be dethroned. CSI: NY is no CSI or CSI: Miami and will probably tumble a bit this season due to ABC's newest series Invasion. All three series in the slot will battle, but I think Invasion, with the Lost lead-in, has the best chance of winning the hour. And the fact that the series is very entertaining. This is probably the best hour in terms of competition. Even more than 9 p.m.
Again ABC is the network to beat on Wednesdays. CBS and NBC will battle for second and it all depends on which rookies will do better in the 9 p.m. hour. Remember, I'm not even looking at mid-season when that little show called American Idol is in the picture.

THURSDAYS
8:00PM -
Overall: Survivor (CBS)
18-49: Survivor (CBS)
My Analysis: This is another bunched up hour. Survivor will win the hour but not as big as last season. Joey and Will & Grace are going to do worse than last season, if that is even possible. Look out for UPN's Everybody Hates Chris--can it beat NBC?? Alias & Smallville could steal a lot of The O.C.'s young audience, leaving a big dent to that show. This should be an interesting hour indeed.
9:00PM -
Overall: CSI (CBS)
18-49: CSI (CBS)
My Analysis: No stopping CSI. The only question is if CSI can beat ABC's Sunday sensation DH for overall lead for the fall? The Apprentice should be on par from last season and be second place. The Night Stalker and Reunion will battle for third.
10:00PM -
Overall: Without a Trace (CBS)
18-49: Without a Trace (CBS)
My Analysis: Trace wins the hour in both measures over NBC's aging ER.
CBS will win the night by big. NBC will do worse than last season. ABC will improve Thursdays and FOX will do better 9 p.m. Can UPN hold most of Chris' audience for the rest of the night?

FRIDAYS
8:00PM -
Overall: Dateline (NBC)
18-49: Supernanny (ABC)
My Analysis: Die Ghost Whisperer, die! That's for CBS since they canceled Joan of Arcadia! This boring hour goes to Dateline overall and Supernanny in adults 18-49. Twins on The WB will not be a ratings smash, but that's what I'll have on at 8:30.
9:00PM -
Overall: Big question mark.
18-49: Big question mark.
My Analysis: This is too close to call. CBS should be disappointed for Threshold's premiere numbers this past Friday. NBC's Three Wishes could actually win this hour, if that sounds crazy. Or it could even go to Hope & Faith and Hot Properties. Both should do well with women. What do I think will happen? Probably NBC overall and ABC in adults. CBS should have kept JAG or better yet move Joan of Arcadia to this slot.
10:00PM -
Overall: NUMB3RS (CBS)
18-49: 20/20 (ABC)
My Analysis: NUMB3RS and 20/20 will battle for this slot in both adults and total viewers. Inconceivable will die. NBC was better off with the fourth Law & Order.
NBC or CBS could take the night overall and ABC will or could take 18-49.

SATURDAYS
Read a book or watch DVDs.
ABC will start off with repeats of Lost, Invasion and Commander in Chief then will probably move on to movies and The Wonderful World of Disney.
NBC will air movies. FOX will air their usual Cops and America's Most Wanted. And CBS will go with crime drama repeats and 48 Hours. So it is anyone's night.
Whatever happened to actual first run programming on Saturdays? Remember The Golden Girls was so high rated on this night?

We hope you enjoyed this feature and will enjoy the fall line-up, too. Don't forget the Emmy Awards tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Sunday, September 15

The Great North - "You've Got Sail Adventure" (Fox, 7:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Wanting a chance at casually making out, Judy suddenly finds herself with three separate dates to handle simultaneously; Beef goes to meet a friend he met online, only to find out that he's a cruise ship captain, and therefore a dire enemy.

The Simpsons - "Cremains of the Day" (Fox, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When someone in Homer's life passes away, he and some guys from Moe's go on a road trip to scatter the ashes.

Universal Basic Guys - "Sunset Cruise" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When David, Andrea, Mark, and Tammy go on a cruise together, David and Andrea unexpectedly rekindle their romance; Mark's preoccupation with reeling in a big fish leads to him catching a whale that jeopardizes the safety of the entire cruise.

Bob's Burgers - "The Right Tough Stuff" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT)
When Gayle tells the family she's sending in an audition tape to be on Tough Stuff Island, Linda is determined to make her tape boring to save her from being humiliated on a rejection reel; Bob struggles with his new electric grinder.

The Great North - "Look Who's Squawking Adventure" / "Am I The Ice Hole? Adventure" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
When the eagle Moon is pet sitting escapes, he enlists Beef and Wolf to go searching for it; Honeybee and Beef bond on an ice fishing trip and try to find a compromise between quiet fishing and fun games.

The Conners - "Sober Sex, Plastic Silverware, and Losing My Religion" (The CW, 7:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Part of Becky's recovery program mandates she make amends with people she has lied to over the years, leading her to meet up again with a former high school friend; Darlene visits with Pastor Phil; Louise continues planning her wedding.

The Conners - "The Wedding of Dan and Louise" (The CW, 7:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A weather report forecasting that a tornado is headed for Lanford creates chaos and surprises on Dan and Louise's wedding day.

The Conners - "Peter Pan, The Backup Plan, Adventures in Babysitting, and a River Runs Through It" (The CW, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Conner home is decked out for Halloween, despite the leak in the roof that forces Dan and Louise to cancel their honeymoon; Becky surprises the newlyweds and takes them on a virtual adventure around the world.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 9)

Friday, September 13

  • Brian Tyree Henry (HouseBroken/Atlanta) - Watch Brian on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Dax Shepard (Bless This Mess) - Dax appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Al Franken (LateLine) - Al is a guest on Real Time with Bill Maher at 10pm on HBO.
  • Kelsey Grammer (Frasier/Partners/Hank/Back to You/Cheers) - Kelsey will be on CBS Mornings some time between 7-9am.
  • Sanaa Lathan (Family Guy/The Cleveland Show/LateLine) - Sanaa and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor talk about the enduring power of friendship in their new Hulu film The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat on Tamron Hall, so check your local listings.
  • Dana Delany (The Comedians) - Dana discusses her television series Tulsa King on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
  • Josie Davis (Charles in Charge) - Josie will be on Good Day LA on FOX 11 in Los Angeles at 11:30am.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Too Close for Comfort - The Complete Series Check It Out! - The Complete Series Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray) Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD) Young Sheldon - The Complete Series

04/03 - Too Close for Comfort - The Complete Series (VEI)
04/08 - Check It Out! - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/21 - Frasier (2023) - Season One
06/11 - The Jeffersons - The Complete Series (2024 Release)
06/11 - Welcome Back, Kotter - The Complete Series (2024 Release)
07/05 - Letterkenny - Season 12 (Final Season)
07/30 - Ted Lasso - The Richmond Way (The Complete Series) (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/10 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-7
09/10 - Ted - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/17 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
09/17 - Top Cat - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/24 - Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD)
09/24 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Seventh Season (DVD) / The Complete Series (DVD) (Blu-ray)
10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

09/14 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Tim Meadows to Star in New Sitcom DMV; Casting for The Office Followup Series
09/13 - ALF Anniversary Marathon on Shout! TV; HBO Orders Tim Robinson Comedy
09/12 - MeTV Halloween 2024 Events; CBS' Nate Bargatze Holiday Special
09/11 - HBO Orders Rachel Sennott Comedy to Series; Jaleel White Hosts New Game Show Flip Side
09/10 - CBS Fall 2024 Preview Special; The Franchise Premieres October 6 on HBO
09/09 - Lifetime Orders Christmas in the Spotlight; Hulu Sets Murdaugh Murders Series
09/08 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 9, 2024)
09/07 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Only Murders in the Building Renewed for Fifth Season; Plex Adds Knots Landing and More
09/06 - Hulu's Child Stars Documentary; Keke Palmer Heads to The 'Burbs for Peacock
09/05 - Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Cast; Tia Mowry We TV Docuseries
09/04 - Nick at Nite Acquires Modern Family; SNL Stars Go Live on Peacock Next Thursday
09/03 - The CW Swaps Two Nights for Fall 2024 Schedule; Retta Returns to HGTV
09/02 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2024 Include Barney Miller
09/01 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 2, 2024)
08/31 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at New Netflix Comedy; One Tree Hill Sequel in the Works
08/30 - Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween 2024; Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Premieres October 29
08/29 - Based on a True Story Returns in November on Peacock; Nikki Glaser to Host Golden Globes
08/28 - Acapulco Renewed for Season 4; Kiernan Shipka Max Movie
08/27 - Everybody Still Hates Chris Premieres September 25 on Comedy Central; Final Season of Somebody Somewhere Returns in October
08/26 - Frasier Returns September 19 on Paramount+ for Season 2; Ted Danson's Netflix Comedy Premieres in November
08/25 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 26, 2024)
08/24 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at New Netflix Comedy; TNT Picks Up The Librarians: The Next Chapter
08/23 - FETV's Sunday Mystery Matinee Block; Glen Powell Is Chad Powers for Hulu Comedy
08/22 - Pee-wee Forever on August 27 on Shout! TV; The Lincoln Lawyer Is Back This October
08/21 - NBC Moves Premiere Due to VP Debate; Seth Meyers Gets Live Primetime Special
08/20 - The Rockford Files 50th Anniversary Marathons on Great Entertainment Television (get.); Bad Sisters Returning for Season 2
08/19 - Schitt's Creek Stars to Host Emmys on ABC; Madison Iseman Joins USA Network Series
08/18 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 19, 2024)
08/17 - SitcomsOnline Digest: The Drew Carey Show Now Streaming for Free; Hulu Picks Up Mid-Century Modern Comedy
08/16 - NBC to Air Mr. Throwback Premiere; Ariel Winter Returns for New Sofia the First Series
08/15 - Comedy Central Acquires Family Guy; Hallmark to Launch Hallmark+ Streaming Service
08/14 - Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Trailer; Grotesquerie Gets Premiere Date on FX