Sunday, April 29, 2012

Week 32 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

2011-12 Week 32 TV Ratings (first four nights final ratings, Mon-Thu): 

Households:N/A
Total Viewers: N/A.
Adults 18-49: N/A

Week 32 (April 23-29) Analysis: Week 32 has some repeats but since Thursday everything is now new as we have entered May sweeps! We don't have the the first four night averages, but we can project ABC, CBS and Fox are very close to each other again in HH/viewers, with Fox on top, followed by ABC then CBS, as CBS was in repeats thru Wednesday. In the more important adults 18-49, it is more clear. Fox is by far first, followed by ABC.  CBS and NBC are battling for third. NBC is a distant fourth in HH/viewers. When the week is over by tonight, it could be a bit different since 100% new programming was Thu-Sun. More on the prediction of week 32 below. As for last week, week 31, Fox took the 18-49 crown, while CBS took home HH/total viewers. ABC was second in 18-49 and also HH/viewers. CBS was third in 18-49, while Fox was third in HH/viewers. And that left NBC fourth across the board.

On Monday, it was NBC with the edge over ABC in adults 18-49. First, on ABC, Dancing with the Stars started it off from 8-10pm doing a first place 17.62 million and a 3.2 rating, up three tenths from previous week as it will now climb I think until the end of the season. At 10pm, Castle was preempted for a special edition of 20/20 on the behind scenes of Dancing with the Stars and did 10.68 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating. Not bad. For CBS, a repeat of How I Met Your Mother did 4.69 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which seems below average for its repeat ratings. A repeat of 2 Broke Girls followed with 5.13 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, not as good as it could be. A repeat of Two and a Half Men followed at 9 with 6.67 million and a 2.0 rating, the best of the block but it also is below normal for a repeat. A repeat of Mike & Molly was next and did 6.0 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating. At 10, a repeat episode of Hawaii Five-0 did 7.7 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, on par with previous week but much more total viewers. Fox started off the night with Bones doing 7.38 million and a 2.2 rating, on par with the previous week. House was new at 9 with 6.49 million and a 2.3 rating, up three tenths from previous week. NBC started it off with a two-hour The Voice and did a second place 10.31 million and a 3.8 18-49 rating, which was up a tenth from previous week's season low. It has certainly fallen a lot since February. Still good, but NBC should have placed it on another night for mass ratings instead of going against another reality juggernaut. Then at 10pm week twelve of critical darling Smash was next doing 6.01 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, which was up a tenth from previous week's series low. It's coming back for a second season anyway, but the show is pricy, so it needs to do better. The CW aired an all-new Gossip Girl and did just 990,000 viewers and 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth from previous week. A new Hart of Dixie followed with 1.28 million and a 0.5 rating, also down a tenth from previous week.

On Tuesday, it was close for first place with Fox edging NBC and ABC. First on CBS, NCIS at 8 started it off with a repeat doing 12.41 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating. Nice total viewers, but low 18-49 considering the total viewers. Then a repeat of NCIS: Los Angeles at 9pm did 9.66 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, down three tenths from previous week, when its lead-in was new. At 10pm, a repeat of Unforgettable did 7.79 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, on par with previous week. ABC aired a repeat of Last Man Standing doing 5.69 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, as they re-aired the episode with Kim Kardashian. Final two episodes of the season starts this Tuesday! A new Cougar Town did 4.89 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, up a tenth week-to-week, which could be better but at least it went up when its lead-in was a repeat. At 9pm, the live Dancing with the Stars: The Results did 14.54 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, down a tenth from previous week, as we said goodbye to the music legend Gladys Knight. Next at 10pm, was second week of Private Practice on its new night doing 8.13 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, up a nice half a point from previous week's return. That's more like it, and this show should be in this range for the rest of the season. Fox aired a new Glee doing 6.9 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, up three tenths from previous week's low.  New Girl was new at 9 too and did 5.2 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, down a tenth from previous week despite its lead-in going up. At 9:30pm a repeat followed and did just 3.11 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating. NBC was next with The Biggest Loser cut to the 8pm hour only doing 6.87  million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which was down a tenth from previous week. At 9, NBC aired the live The Voice results show doing 8.93 million and a 3.4 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week. At 10pm, NBC's new reality series Fashion Star did just 4.59 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, on par with previous week. This show is not cutting it after a big lead-in. The CW was all-new with 90210 doing 1.11 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating. Then at 9pm, the series premiere of LA Complex did just 630,000 viewers and a 0.3 18-49 rating, for the lowest drama premiere in the history of broadcast TV. Ouch.

Wednesday it was all Fox with the win as the other networks were mostly repeats. First, CBS started the night off with a new Survivor: One World doing 9.81 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, which was down a tenth from previous week, tying a series low. Then at 9pm, a repeat of Criminal Minds did 7.61 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, up a tenth week-to-week. And at 10pm a repeat of CSI did 6.59 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, on par with previous week. ABC was almost all repeats for its Laugh On comedy block, as a repeat of The Middle started it off doing 4.89 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, on par with previous week. Suburgatory followed with a repeat at 8:30pm doing 4.39 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, building from its lead-in. The mega hit Modern Family was next at 9pm with a repeat and it did 5.83 million and 2.2 18-49 rating, which was the best sitcom repeat of the week. At 9:30pm, week three of the hilarious Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23 was all-new and did 4.91 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down six tenths from previous week when its lead-in was new. Not telling, as it followed repeats. Expect it to be back up big this week to close to a 2.6 or more. At 10pm the addicting Revenge was new and did 7.03 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down two tenths from previous week. Not bad as the rest of the night was basically repeats. Fox aired American Idol from 8-10pm doing 16.87 million and a 4.8 18-49 rating, on par with previous week and still good for #1 for the week again. Take that again The Voice, says Fox. NBC opened the night with a new Betty White's Off Their Rockers doing 5.83 million but just a 1.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week. Episode four of new comedy Best Friends Forever followed with only 2.65 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, on par with previous week's low. Not good, and NBC has pulled it now. At 9pm, a new Rock Center with Brian Williams at 9pm did 3.7 million and a 0.9 18-49, but actually up three tenths from previous week. And at 10pm, a new Law & Order: SVU got hurt as a result and did 6.56 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week's series low. The CW had a repeat of LA Complex start it off at 8pm doing 690,000 viewers and a 0.3 18-49 rating, which is not good. A new America's Next Top Model followed at 9 and did 1.115 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth from previous week thanks to the lead-in.

Thursday it was the first night of May sweeps, and Fox edged out CBS for the win. Starting with ABC, they opened the night with week seven of Missing doing 6.98 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, on par with previous week again. Total viewers is still good (and up from previous week) but the 18-49 needs to be better. Perhaps a good Friday destination in the fall or a summer option, if it were to come back? At 9pm, a new Grey's Anatomy aired doing 9.45 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, on par with previous week. Awesome episode again, too!  At 10pm, Private Practice is now Tuesdays at 10, as now Scandal airs in this slot and week four did 6.86 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, on par once again from previous week. Four weeks in and the same ratings. That's a good thing for a possible renewal. CBS started with a new episode of The Big Bang Theory doing a great 12.65 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, but a season low. I think repeats the last few weeks hurt it and a bit because of the NFL Draft, but that's not a big excuse. A new Rules of Engagement did 8.17 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating, up three five tenths from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat. Could be better still.  A new episode of Person of Interest aired next at 9 and did 12.73 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, down big from its last new airing. Many repeats the past few weeks and NFL draft the culprit? The Mentalist was next at 10 and new too and did 12.03 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, lower than normal. Rumors are flying that it will be on the move next season. We shall see. Fox aired American Idol at 8 doing 14.87 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, on par with previous previous week. Still good enough for #1 for the night despite massive year to year drops. Fox aired a new episode of Touch at 9 doing 6.43 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which was down two tenths from previous week. It has fallen a lot, so that's not a good sign.  NBC was all-new with a new Community up first doing 3.21 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which was up a tenth from previous week's series low. I still think it will return though for one last season, but it still sucks in the ratings. At 8:30pm, 30 Rock was new (and a live episode) at 8:30pm and did 3.47 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week. As I keep saying, time to end it after six seasons especially if they decide to bring back low rated shows like Community and Parks. A new The Office was next and did just 4.17 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth from previous week and a series low. NBC needs a comedy anchor badly now. Matthew Perry to the rescue next fall, as his pilot was picked-up to a series order already. At 9:30pm Parks & Recreation was new and did just 3.17 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down a tenth week-to-week. At 10pm, week nine of Awake is not awake in the ratings as it did 2.21 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, down a tenth week-to-week for a series low. Another series that won't be back, I think. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries was new and did 2.22 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week for still seems low for this show. The CW can't catch a break. Then at 9pm, drama The Secret Circle was new too and did 1.15 million and a 0.5 18-49 rating, on par with previous week. So besides a tenth or two, everything was fine tonight but CBS. And I think CBS was down because it has been in repeat mode for the past few weeks while ABC, Fox and NBC have been all-new. Don't blame the NFL Draft for all of this because every other network was on par, or down just a tenth or two.

Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS and ABC lead the pack. Shark Tank at 8pm was new and solid, but Undercover Boss returned and edged it for first place. At 9pm NBC's Grimm tied for the win at 9pm with CSI: NY on CBS. CBS' Blue Bloods was down a lot and tied ABC's 20/20 for #1 at 10. Fox's Fringe was low at 9pm but up a bit.
Saturday numbers have Fox and ABC tying for the night. ABC aired the network premiere of The Blind Side and did solid while Fox had NASCAR, which both beat NBC's all-new Escape Routes and The Firm. CBS and NBC could not compete.

Tonight ABC's line-up is AFV, Once Upon a Time, Desperate Housewives & GCB. Look for solid numbers for the entire night and a #1 position Once Upon a Time will win the night and the countdown is on for the final episodes of Desperate. NBC has Dateline at 7, with Celebrity Apprentice from 9-11pm, and Harry's Law leading in. Maybe a third place finish. CBS has new airings of 60 Minutes then Amazing Race, The Good Wife and week three of low rated NYC 22. A second or third place finish I think, but could be tied with NBC. Fox has Animation Domination which could have them in second place, but I also could see them in third.

As for the week (week 32), Fox will likely win the week in 18-49 easily. And CBS should win HH/viewers. ABC will be second in 18-49 and HH/viewers. CBS will beat NBC in 18-49 for third, with Fox should be third in HH/viewers. NBC will be fourth for sure in HH/viewers. As for the coming week, week 33, it's the first full week of May sweep. New episodes all around, so make sure you tune into your favorite series as we get near the finales!

Week 32 How the Sitcoms Did

Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for Week 31 -- April 16-22)
  • The Simpsons (Fox) - A special repeat of its very first episode at 7:30pm in honor of Fox's 25th Anniversary did 3.17 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, up four tenths from previous week's 7pm repeat. Not bad. At 7pm, Fox also aired the pilot episode of Married...with Children from 1987 and did 2.93 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. Not bad for a repeat from 25 years ago!
  • The Cleveland Show (Fox) - preempted.
  • Bob's Burgers (Fox) - preempted.
  • Family Guy (Fox) - preempted.
  • American Dad! (Fox) - preempted.
Monday Sitcoms
  • How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A repeat delivered 4.69 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating. This show could do better. Spring is a reason.
  • 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A repeat did 5.13 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating. Yes, it is a repeat and yes it is spring, but if CBS uses this as an anchor next season, will it deliver?
  • Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A repeat of this sitcom did 6.67 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating. Question is, will CBS keep this show in this slot next season?
  • Mike & Molly (CBS) - 6.0 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating for a repeat. About the same as the other shows.
Tuesday Sitcoms
  • Last Man Standing (ABC) - A repeat did 5.69 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. Not bad. New episodes for the next two weeks as it wraps up its first season. It'll be back next season, I can assure you.
  • Cougar Town (ABC) - A new episode unfortunately didn't do that well with 4.89 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, but up a tenth from previous week, when its lead-in was new. So a good sign!
  • New Girl (Fox) - A new episode at 9pm did 5.2 million and a 2.6 rating, down a tenth from previous week again. It's not a mass appeal show, but 18-49 is decent enough. A repeat at 9:30pm followed and didn't do well with 3.1 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating.
Wednesday Sitcoms
  • The Middle (ABC) - A repeat did 4.89 million and a 1.3 18-rating, on par with previous week's repeat. It returns with new episodes this Wednesday as Whoopi Goldberg guest stars! Whoopster!
  • Suburgatory (ABC) - A repeat did 4.39 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, as it continues to build from its lead-in.
  • Best Friends Forever (NBC) - The fourth episode did just 2.65 million and a very low 0.8 18-49 rating, tying its low from previous week. It is now pulled and gone.
  • Modern Family (ABC) - A repeat of this mega hit did 5.83 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, the best repeat 18-49 rating of the week. Power of comedy...look for it do well in syndication in fall 2013.
  • Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23 (ABC) - The third episode did 4.91 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, down six tenths from previous week when its lead-in was new. This week's episode is one we saw for review ("The Wedding") and it is outstanding! Tune in for some laughs, dancing, a wedding and Kevin Sorbo!
Thursday Sitcoms
  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - A new episode at 8 did 12.65 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, which is excellent but a season low. Repeats the past few weeks could be a reason why it was down.
  • Rules of Engagement (CBS) - A new episode did 8.17 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating, which is up three tenths from previous week when its lead-in was a repeat.
  • Community (NBC) - A new episode did 3.21 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week's series low.
  • 30 Rock (NBC) - A new episode did 3.47 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, up a tenth from previous week actually. It aired a live episode, so it should have been up more. But at least it was up!
  • The Office (NBC) - A new episode did only 4.17 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, down a tenth for a series low. Eeck, calling back Steve Carell?
  • Parks and Recreation (NBC) - The a new episode did 3.17 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, down a tenth week-to-week.
Friday Sitcoms
  • None.
Saturday Sitcoms
  • None
Airing tonight (Sunday) are Fox Animation Domination comedies from 7-10pm, with new episodes starting at 7:30pm.

Summing it up. Airings of The Big Bang Theory, New Girl, Modern Family, Two and a Half Men, were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as How I Met Your Mother, 2 Broke Girls) or just plain old terrible (such as Best Friends Forever, Cougar Town).


Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Sunday, October 1

The Simpsons - "Homer's Crossing" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT)
eeling worthless at work, Homer volunteers to be a school crossing guard; when Homer's safety squad receives too much funding, the crossing guards become a force to be feared.

Krapopolis - "Wife Swamp" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Tyrannis returns from a quest with a girlfriend; Hippocampus, Stupendous, and Schlub fight and then befriend a species of wolves.

Bob's Burgers - "Fight at the Not Okay Chore-ral" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
When Linda and Bob suggest the kids do chores, the family ends up in a showdown.

Family Guy - "Fertilized Megg" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Meg agrees to be Bruce and Jeffery's surrogate, causing a pregnant Meg to annoy her family; when the couple fails to pick up the baby, the Griffins must take care of their new family member.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 25)

Friday, September 29

  • Amy Poehler (Duncanville/Parks and Recreation) - Watch Amy on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Lea Michele (The Mayor) - Lea is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Nathan Lane (Only Murders in the Building/Modern Family/Charlie Lawrence/Encore! Encore!/One of the Boys) - Nathan appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Margaret Cho (All-American Girl) and Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite) - Margaret and Maria are guests on repeats of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen on CBS between 12:37-1:37am.
  • Patton Oswalt (A.P. Bio/The Goldbergs/The King of Queens) - Patton will be on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.


New on DVD/Blu-ray (June-October)

Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series Family Matters - The Complete Series Step by Step - The Complete Series ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition)

06/13 - Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series
06/13 - Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series
07/18 - South Park - Seasons 21-25 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
07/25 - The Neighborhood - Season Five
07/25 - Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin - Season One
07/25 - Superstore - The Complete Series
08/22 - Back to Life - Season 1 / Season 2
08/29 - Smiling Friends - Season 1 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/05 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Sixth Season
09/12 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Second Season
09/12 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-6 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/26 - Family Matters - The Complete Series
09/26 - Step by Step - The Complete Series
10/10 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Thirteen / The Complete Season Fourteen
10/17 - ALF - The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition) (Shout! Factory Special Offers)
10/17 - Night Court (2023) - The Complete First Season
More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD Releases / DVD Reviews Archive / SitcomsOnline Digest


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

09/30 - SitcomsOnline Digest: WGA Strike Officially Over; ABC Cancels Home Economics
09/29 - Lifetime Announces New Thrillers; Big Mouth Season 7 Trailer
09/28 - New Season of Wolf Like Me on Peacock; Max Original Animated Series Debuts October 19
09/27 - Moonlighting Coming to Hulu; Showtime Announces Date for The Curse
09/26 - Rick and Morty Season 7 Trailer; Fox's Krapopolis Debuts Well
09/25 - Laff Fall 2023 Schedule with Last Man Standing and Man with a Plan; Upload Returns October 20
09/24 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 25, 2023)
09/23 - SitcomsOnline Digest: An End on the Horizon for WGA Strike?; Hallmark Ready for Christmas
09/22 - The Santa Clauses Season 2 Launches November 8; CBS Alters Fall Schedule
09/21 - Penn & Teller: Fool Us Gets New Return Date; Netflix's Unicorn Academy Premieres November 2
09/20 - Paramount+ Announces Colin from Accounts; The Really Loud House Gets Halloween Movie
09/19 - The Simpsons Season 34 Streams October 11 on Disney+; Good Burger 2 Set for Holiday Season
09/18 - Hulu's Huluween and Disney+'s Hallowstream Line-Up; Shining Vale Returns October 13 on STARZ
09/17 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 18, 2023)
09/16 - SitcomsOnline Digest: ABC Cancels Wonder Years Reboot; Byron Allen Makes $10 Billion Offer to Buy ABC
09/15 - Antenna TV's Bewitched Halloween Marathon; Rewind TV's Sabrina the Teenage Witch-O-Ween Marathon
09/14 - Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Cast; BUZZR Celebrates 40 Years of Press Your Luck
09/13 - TBS Acquires Modern Family; The Frasier Awards on COZI TV
09/12 - Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen Gets CBS Late Night Run; Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy Special
09/11 - Matt Rife Gets Netflix Special; Star Trek Day and Kid Cudi Join Forces
09/10 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 11, 2023)
09/09 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Warner Bros. Television Suspends Deals with Top Creators; Fran Drescher Re-Elected President of SAG-AFTRA
09/08 - CBS Announces Hosts of Game Show; New Goosebumps Premieres Friday the 13th This October on Disney+ and Hulu
09/07 - MeTV Presents Svengoolie's Halloween BOOnanza!; The CW Moving Fall Comedies to Thursdays
09/06 - CBS to Air NCIS: Sydney This Fall; Fox Makes Fall Change
09/05 - TBS and TNT September Stunts Include Big Bang Theory Batman Day Marathon; Netflix UK Produced Series Updates
09/04 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2023 Include Three's Company
09/03 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 4, 2023)
09/02 - SitcomsOnline Digest: No Third Season for How I Met Your Father; Spectrum Dispute with Disney Could Spell End of Cable
09/01 - September Is Anniversary Month on Hulu; Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween Returns for Its 25th Anniversary
08/31 - Max's Original Comedy Series Starstruck Season 3 and Our Flag Means Death Season 2 Premiere Dates; AXS TV Announces Fall Programming Lineup
08/30 - The Partridge Family Coming to AXS TV Starting Oct. 2; CBS to Air A Tribute to Bob Barker Special Aug. 31, Marathon of Match Game Episodes to Air Sept. 2 on Game Show Network