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Week 7 Ratings Round-Up

Week 7's first three days were filled with repeats (mostly of the dramas) as November sweeps started on Thursday. So, I won't give the first four day numbers and the entire week of how the sitcoms did, but I'll make some points. Monday's sitcoms (CBS and UPN) were all repeats--it should be noted that King of Queens and Two and a Half Men still did very well, only slightly off in total viewers. On Tuesday however, all the sitcoms were all-new. According to Jim returned after having a repeat in a one-time-only slot last week, and performed below normal with only 7.25 million. Rodney followed and didn't build on Jim like it did for a few weeks this season. 7.17 million tuned in, a very good retention, but still ABC would like to see more viewers in this hour. My Name is Earl was slightly down in total viewers, but its adults 18-49 remains steady with a 5.5 rating. The Office followed with more than a 4 million total viewer drop from the lead-in. Wednesday's sitcoms were also all-new oddly enough. Three networks battled for the 8 to 9 p.m. hour with comedies! The one-hour season premiere of That '70s Show was on top in both adults 18-49 and total viewers, followed by the George Lopez/Freddie hour and Still Standing/Yes, Dear. Still Standing might not be standing tall soon, again less than 7 million tuned in with only 6.78 million. The inconsistent Yes, Dear did build on that with 7.62 million beating Freddie for the first time, which only got 6.96 million. Want to know the reason? Lost was a repeat at 9 p.m., so I expect Freddie and maybe George to pump back to where it was when Lost last aired a new episode--which means #1 for the hour among 18-49 year olds. The NBC drama E-Ring lead the way in total viewers this week in the hour with 9.8 million, but only a 2.5 adult 18-49 rating.

For the first day of sweeps, NBC and UPN had comedies. Joey and Will & Grace did what they have done all-season, down considerably from this time last season. Both were third place in the hour in total viewers behind CBS and ABC. The UPN comedies continues to do what they have done this season as well. A decent night for Everybody Hates Chris but after that UPN losing steam fast. The second night had comedies on ABC and The WB. The WB started off slow once again with two episodes of the god awful What I Like About You only getting a 1.6 rating. Reba perked up a bit and Twins held much of that audience. ABC's Hope & Faith and Hot Properties were on par from last week in the low 4 ratings.

I think the real sweeps will start probably tonight. We should see some great competition starting tonight. Will Arrested Development perk up or perk down for its return tomorrow? That is one of many questions that will be answered this week for the first full week of sweeps!