Sunday, October 11, 2009

Week 3 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

Week 3 numbers (first four nights, Mon-Wed):
(Network averages for Thursday were not available, thus here are final network averages for Mon-Wed. Final program numbers are available in the analysis, though.)

Households: #1. CBS 8.3/13.3; #2. ABC 6.4/10.2; #3. Fox 4.8/7.4; #4. NBC 4.4/7.0; #5. The CW 1.4/2.2
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 13.11 million; #2. ABC 9.72 million; #3. Fox 8.05 million; #4. NBC 6.84 million; #5. The CW 2.01 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. CBS 3.5/9.2; #2. Fox 3.3/8.8; #3. ABC 2.5/6.5; #4. NBC 2.4/6.3; #5. The CW 1.0/2.7.

Analysis: For week three we have CBS on top through the first four days in all categories and it will remain that way after tonight, too. I'll explain why later. Through the first four days in week two, CBS has the lead in all categories, with ABC second in HH/viewers but a close third in 18-49 (after Thursday numbers are counted in), with Fox in third in HH/viewers, but second in 18-49 and NBC is back in fourth everywhere. Last week, week 2, Fox took the crown in 18-49 nipping both ABC and CBS (tied for second), while CBS won the week in HH/total viewers. ABC was second in HH/viewers. NBC was third in HH/viewers (thanks to an NFL game), with Fox fourth. NBC was fourth in 18-49, though...even with the NFL.
On Monday ABC, Fox and CBS did well again. A two-hour Dancing with the Stars won the total viewer race with 16.35 million for ABC, down from the previous week, but ABC programs were preempted in the Minneapolis, Milwaukee/Green Bay markets for the huge NFL game. An all-new Castle followed with a solid 9.23 million, up from the previous week a bit despite not airing in those markets this week due to NFL. Good job! Next up was CBS with its comedies and CSI: Miami. How I Met Your Mother started it off with 8.08 million, down from the previous week by nearly a million and Accidentally on Purpose followed doing 7.17 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, which could be better...both down from the previous week. Two and a Half Men followed with 13.3 million which was down a bit from the previous week, but The Big Bang Theory continues to impress and did a nice 12.52 million, but that was down nearly a million from the previous week. The show also did a 4.7 18-49 rating, down from the series high of 5.3 the previous week. A new episode of CSI: Miami did 13.43 million, down a bit from the previous week. Fox had a regular edition of House and it did 13.74 million, which was down a million from the the previous week... the show did a 5.4 A18-49 rating, down from the 5.8 the previous week. NBC followed with the free-falling Heroes doing 5.46 million, down from the previous week. A new episode of Trauma followed and did only 5.36 million and only a 1.7 A18-49 rating, both down from the premiere the previous week. The Jay Leno Show followed with only 4.45 million, down a million from previous week. The CW on Mondays has been a struggle so far, with One Tree Hill doing only 2.13 million and Gossip Girl at an even worse 2.08 million...both down week-to-week.
On Tuesday, CBS was in control despite some declines. CBS had the always reliable NCIS opening the night off with 20.7 million, down from the series high the previous week. A new episode of NCIS: Los Angeles was next and did 16.31 million, down a million again from the previous week and lost the 18-49 crown for the first time. And finally CBS aired The Good Wife and did 13.69 million, exactly the same as previous week. Wasn't Without a Trace doing about the same and CBS canned it? ABC was a distant second with a new episode of Shark Tank doing only 5.15 million...but up a bit week-to-week. Again, this show is perfect for summer. Then it was Dancing with the Stars: The Results doing 12.42 million, down week-to-week as we said goodbye to Debi Mazar and also Tom Delay as he left due to injury. ABC followed with a new episode of the forgotten doing 7.55 million, up a bit week-to-week despite the lead-in going down. NBC was next with The Biggest Loser 2-hour show doing 9.25 million, up a bit from previous week, followed by the The Jay Leno Show at just 6.22 million (the best it can do), which was down from previous week. Fox aired Hell's Kitchen at 8 doing 7.43 million and a solid 3.3 18-49 rating, both up week-to-week. Quietly this show delivers. So You Think You Can Dance Tuesday was next and it bombed with only 5.47 million, but up week-to-week. The CW aired 90210 with just 2.09 million, followed by dud Melrose Place at an even worse 1.6 million. The latter was up a bit from previous week, while the former was down.
Wednesday again it was CBS with the overall win, but ABC and Fox had a lot doing well. CBS started slow with Old Christine doing 6.86 million, which was up a tad from the previous week, followed by Gary Unmarried at 6.84 million, up a bit from its previous week. Veteran drama Criminal Minds did 14.05 million which was down a bit from the previous week, with CSI: NY doing 12.43 million, down from previous week. ABC started the 8pm hour with Hank & The Middle but saw declines. Hank did an OK 6.45 million but only a 1.6 18-49 rating, both down from the premiere the previous week. The Middle did a better 6.79 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, nice builds from the lead-in in 18-49, as it shows Hank is the weak link. New episodes of the hilarious sitcoms Modern Family and Cougar Town both did well again with 8.82 and 7.84 million, but down some from previous week. The A18-49 ratings for both were more telling doing 3.4 and 3.2. Look for Shelley Long on Modern Family this week, and I have seen it and it is SO funny! Best episode probably yet. If you liked the pilot, you're in for some great stuff again. WATCH!! At 10pm Eastwick did only 5.14 million, down from previous week, which is a shame because that was the best episode yet. NBC opened the night with Mercy doing 7.43 million, up a tad from the previous week. Law & Order: SVU followed and only did 8.29 million, but up some from previous week. At 10pm NBC aired The Jay Leno Show of course at just 5.71 million, down week-to-week again. Fox was fourth, with So You Think You Can Dance at 6.22 million...down from previous week, but then Glee followed to a decent 7.28 million and a 3.3 A18-49 rating, both were on par really from previous week. The CW had its usual showing of Top Model at 3.16 million, down a tad from previous week and a repeat of Melrose Place followed with just 980,000 viewers.
Thursday it was ABC on top in 18-49 and CBS overall again. ABC opened the night with FLASHFORWARD doing 9.0 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, both very solid but down some from previous week. Look for it to do better this week. A new Grey's Anatomy followed with 14.13 million and a great 5.4 A18-49 rating. And new episode of Private Practice did a solid 9.5 million and a first place at 10pm 3.6 A18-49 rating. Dr. Bailey guest stars next week! CBS opened with Survivor: Gabon at 11.69 million and a 3.4 A18-49 rating. A new episode of CSI followed with 14.9 million, down a million week-to-week, while The Mentalist was also down a million week-to-week with 14.7 million. Fox started off well with Bones at a solid 10.29 million...up again from previous week, but Fringe followed and only did 5.83 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, both down from previous week. Baseball on TBS could have effected all the male driven shows on this night like FLASHFORWARD and Fringe. NBC was next with Community in its new time of 8pm doing 4.87 million down from SNL's numbers the previous week and its own numbers, followed by sitcom dud Parks & Recreation at only 4.75 million, though it was up ever so slightly week-to-week. At 9pm a special one-hour episode of The Office did 9.42 million and a solid 4.8 18-49 rating, both up big week-to-week. The Jay Leno Show closed the night with only 4.84 million, down week-to-week again. It went down every night this week. Stupid NBC. The CW's only consistent player so far is Vampire Diaries doing 3.5w million, on par really week-to-week, followed by Supernatural at a could-be-better 2.47 million...what happened this season?
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS won Friday with their dramas but only mustered a prelim 1.9 18-49 rating average. Fox continues to stumble on Friday with Brothers, 'Til Death & Dollhouse watching the cancelation clock.
Saturday numbers had CBS win with College Football as #1 Florida beat #4 LSU in a defensive battle.
Tonight the full ABC Sunday line-up is airing (AFV, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters). NBC should have something to tout about with the NFL game, but could be down from previous week due to MLB Playoffs on TBS. CBS has its usual players, but Three Rivers will be slaughtered again. Fox has its animation block from 8-10pm, including rookie The Cleveland Show. But how will it due this week without NFL? A new Brothers also airs tonight at 7 on a special night and time.
As for week three, CBS will win in HH, viewers and even 18-49 thanks to College Football on Saturday probably tripling their usual numbers. Look for ABC in second in HH/viewers, but likely third in 18-49. NBC could be 3rd in HH/viewers, and a closer fourth in 18-49. With Fox likely taking second in 18-49 but fourth in HH/viewers.

Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week of September 28-October 4)

  • Brothers (Fox) encore - preempted.
  • The Simpsons (Fox) - 9.37 million and a 4.4 18-49 rating...both up from the season premiere the previous week. A direct NFL lead-in helps.
  • The Cleveland Show (Fox) - 8.86 million and a 4.4 18-49 rating. Both down from the series premiere a week prior, but still very good.
  • Family Guy (Fox) - 9.86 million and a 5.1 18-49 rating. Both down just a tad from the season premiere. Fox doesn't have a direct NFL lead-in this week...so expect big declines for all of the animated comedies.
  • American Dad (Fox) - 7.14 million and a 3.6 18-49 rating...both exactly the same from the season premiere a week prior. Not bad, but could be better considering the lead-in.

Monday Sitcoms

  • How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - New episode did 8.08 million, lower than the previous week, but the 3.4 A18-49 rating is solid.
  • Accidentally on Purpose (CBS) - 7.17 million for week three and a 2.8 18-49 rating, both down from the previous week. Concerning, but let's see the next few weeks how it does.
  • Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 13.3 million...down some from the previous week.
  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - 12.52 million...down from the previous week but still built from the lead-in's 18-49 rating from a 4.4 to a 4.7...nicely done.


Tuesday Sitcoms

  • None.

Wednesday Sitcoms

  • Old Christine (CBS) - New episode did 6.86 million, up a bit from previous week. 18-49 rating of a 1.9 was the same though.
  • Gary Unmarried (CBS) - Like the lead-in, 6.84 million, up a bit from previous week, but built from the lead-in a bit in 18-49 to a 2.2 rating.
  • Hank (ABC) - Down two million from 8.34 million to 6.45 million in week two. 2.2 18-49 for the premiere was down to 1.6 this week. Not good.
  • The Middle (ABC) -6.79 million for week two is not too good, but it built nicely from the lead-in in 18-49 from a 1.6 to a 2.1. ABC needs to remove Hank. This show is not the problem...it has been picked-up for a full season!
  • Modern Family (ABC) - Episode three did 8.82 million and a nice 3.4 18-49 rating, but both down week-to-week. Look for a rise this week with Shelley Long guesting. And it is GREAT. I've seen it. Trust me!
  • Cougar Town (ABC) - Episode three for this great sitcom did 7.84 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, both also down some from previous week. Promos for next week look good with Cox in a hot dress with noodles in her hair? Find out what I mean this Wednesday!

Thursday Sitcoms

  • Parks & Recreation (NBC) - This show did terrible doing only 4.75 million and just a 2.1 A18-49 rating...sorry Amy Poehler, but you did go up from previous week a bit for a second straight week!
  • The Office (NBC) - Building on the lead-in, the special one-hour wedding episode did 9.42 million, but its strength is 18-49 and it did a 4.8 rating.
  • Community (NBC) - The series is now at 8pm and only did 4.87 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating ... both down big from previous week when it had the cushy Office lead-in.

Friday Sitcoms

  • Brothers (Fox) - Worse than the previous two weeks! Prelim ratings show a terrible 2.35 million.
  • 'Til Death (Fox) - Premlim shows 2.36 million, but better than the previous week's prelim of 2.29 million!
  • Modern Family (ABC) - Special encore of Wednesday's episode did a prelim 2.95 million at 9pm. Anything for more exposure!
  • The Middle (ABC) - Special encore of Wednesday's episode did a prelim 2.76 million. Hey it beat the Fox sitcoms!

Saturday Sitcoms

  • None.

Airing tonight (Sunday) are new episodes of Fox's animated comedies from 8-10PM, along with Brothers at 7.

Summing it up. Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, Cougar Town, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, The Office were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as The Middle, Accidentally on Purpose) or just plain old terrible (such as Community, Brothers).


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, September 20

none scheduled

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 16)

Friday, September 20

  • Kumail Nanjiani (Bless the Harts/Silicon Valley) - Watch Kumail on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Stephen Curry (Mr. Throwback) - Stephen appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Kevin Hart (Die Hart/The Big House/Undeclared) - Kevin is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Thomas Lennon (The Odd Couple/Sean Saves the World/Reno 911!) and Kimia Behpoornia (Abbott Elementary/Reboot/Abby's) - Thomas and Kimia are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Emma Roberts (Scream Queens/Unfabulous) - NBC's Today catches up with Emma in the 10am hour.
  • Kelsey Grammer (Frasier/Partners/Hank/Back to You/Cheers) - Kelsey talks about Frasier on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
  • George Clooney (Roseanne/The Facts of Life/ E/R (1984-1985) - George talks about Wolfs on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am.
  • Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Emily in Paris) - Philippine talks about Emily in Paris on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am.
  • Vince Vaughn (Bad Monkey/Curb Your Enthusiasm/F Is for Family) - Vince talks about Bad Monkey on ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am.
  • Wilmer Valderrama (That '70s Show) - Wilmer chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Vivica A. Fox (Mr. Box Office/Getting Personal/Arsenio/Out All Night) - Vivica talks about her film The Lost Holliday on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
  • Caroline Rhea (Sydney to the Max/Sabrina, the Teenage Witch/Pride & Joy) - Caroline performs “Stand Up at THE TALK” on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.


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

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09/18 - Australian The Office Coming to Prime Video; You're Laughing at CBS
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09/16 - George Lopez Gets Prime Video Special; Netflix Orders His & Hers
09/15 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 16, 2024)
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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
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09/08 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 9, 2024)
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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
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