Week 17 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Week 17 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did

2012-13 Week 17 TV Ratings (first four nights, Mon-Thu):

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

Week 17 (Jan. 14-20) Analysis: Top series The Big Bang Theory was a repeat as American Idol returned down from last season but still solid (and better than The Voice). We don't have final network average for Thursday, so we we can't bring you the network first four night averages above. But we can project through the first four nights, CBS has the lead in HH/total viewers, while Fox is on top in adults 18-49 thanks to the two-night/four hour Idol premiere. CBS is probably a few tenths behind for second place in 18-49, followed by ABC, then NBC a very distant fourth. Fox is second in HH/viewers, followed by ABC. Then NBC is a distant fourth and it could be a long winter for them. When the week is done, CBS will likely come back and take the week in 18-49 since they have the NFL AFC Championship Game in primetime tonight from 6:30-10pm. Fox will have to settle for second. More on that later. As for last week, week 16, CBS took home first in adults 18-49 helped by two NFL Playoff overruns on Saturday and Sunday nights, just getting by second place Fox, which had the primetime Saturday night NFL playoff game. Then NBC and ABC were well back. Among total viewers, CBS took that crown as well thanks to the overruns, while Fox was a distant second. NBC and ABC was behind Fox, but not by much

Monday saw CBS take the night as NBC and ABC battled with reality. Starting with ABC, a two-hour The Bachelor from 8-10pm did 7.49 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's season premiere. Nice. At 10pm, Castle was all-new and did 9.14 million and a solid 1.9 18-49 rating, on par with previous week in 18-49. For NBC, they had a two-hour The Biggest Loser from 8-10pm doing 6.32 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is on par with previous week's season premiere. At 10pm, week two of new drama Deception didn't do much with 4.14 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down four tenths in 18-49 from its series premiere the previous week. Not good news. CBS was in all-new with its comedies, as a new How I Met Your Mother did 10.51 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating, which is great and above normal for this season. A repeat of The Big Bang Theory at 8:30pm did 11.7 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, which is amazing. At 9pm, a new 2 Broke Girls followed with 12.45 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, as no Dancing/Voice helps, I guess. Next, a new Mike & Molly did 11.46 million and a 3.5 18-49 rating, which solid but this series could do better. A new episode of Hawaii Five-0 at 10pm did 9.59 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is a good number for this season. Fox aired two all-new episodes of Bones, as at 8 it did 8.04 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, while a second episode did 7.79 million and the same 2.1 18-49 rating. Look for new series The Following in the 9pm hour tomorrow night. The CW premiered new drama The Carrie Diaries at 8 and did 1.61 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating, which is OK but could have been better. At 9, an instant encore did 0.9 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating, for some additional sampling. Look for 90210 to take over the 9pm hour tomorrow night.

On Tuesday, it was CBS with another easy win as the other networks aired comedies against each other. First for CBS, a new episode of NCIS aired at 8 did 22.86 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating, near a series high in total viewers and up four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. It had been quiet this fall, but without much competition, it is striving this winter. Next a new NCIS: Los Angeles at 9 did 17.63 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, but this was down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. And finally at 10pm, a new airing of freshman Vegas did 11.27 million and only a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 week-to-week. Onto ABC, at 8pm a special repeat of Modern Family did a solid 5.13 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, beating the competing new Fox comedy in total viewers and tying it in 18-49 despite being down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A repeat of Suburgatory at 8:30pm beat the new Fox comedy in total viewers with 3.17 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, but that was down a half a point in 18-49 from previous week's repeat of The Middle in the same time period. A new Happy Endings got a bit of a bump thanks to the lead-in of comedies and did 3.05 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, which still could be better and down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 9:30pm, a new Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 didn't do well with just 2.73 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which is on par with previous week in 18-49. Private Practice was new for its penultimate episode doing only 4.1 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, up only a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week. It should go up this week for sure for the series finale. I don't think ABC expects a 2, but close to it should be good. NBC aired new episodes of Betty White's Off Their Rockers from 8-9pm. At 8pm it did 5.41 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, losing to an ABC comedy repeat and down a tenth in 18-49from previous week. At 8:30pm it did better with 5.96 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, but that also was down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. At 9pm, a new Go On did only 4.45 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, which is up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's series low. At 9:30pm, The New Normal was new and did 3.33 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week's series low. Without The Voice as a lead-in, they are tanking, but at least they went up some this week. At 10pm, the penultimate episode of Parenthood did 4.96 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week. It quietly won its timeslot this fall, opposite low rated series. Fox aired comedies as well as a new Raising Hope at 8pm did 3.63 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which was down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new Ben and Kate did horrible with 2.2 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating at 8:30pm, and also down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. A new episode of New Girl followed at 9 with 3.65 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is the best of the block but but good and down two tenths in 18-49 with previous week. At 9:30pm, a new The Mindy Project did 2.76 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, on par week-to-week in 18-49 but this is still a disappointment. The CW aired a new Hart of Dixie at 8 and did 1.37 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating. A new episode of new series Emily Owens MD at 9 did 1.02 million and only a 0.3 18-49 rating, which is on par in 18-49 with previous week.

Wednesday had the return of American Idol, while down, it was certainly not out. But first, CBS started the night off with a repeat of NCIS at 8pm doing 8.35 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a new Criminal Minds did a solid 12.64 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, which is below normal in 18-49. At 10pm, a new CSI did 11.14 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, just barely winning the time period. ABC kicked off the night with a new episode of The Middle doing 8.21 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is only down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week despite facing Idol. At 8:30pm a new episode of The Neighbors did 6.09 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, down about three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Such a good show now. At 9pm, a new episode of Modern Family did the best of the block with 11.0 million and a 4.3 18-49 rating, which is great but down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. It was the best episode of the season! Surprises galore! Suburgatory followed at 9:30pm with 6.06 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is solid but down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week. At 10pm, Nashville was all-new and did 6.54 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, which once again is the best it has done since the second episode and up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. On Fox, the two-hour season premiere of American Idol did a solid 17.93 million and a 6.0 18-49 rating, which is down from last season's premiere but still higher than any episode of The Voice this fall. Onto NBC a repeat (oh boy) of Whitney started it off at 8pm with 2.5 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating. At 8:30pm, a repeat of Guys with Kids did 2.26 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating. Law & Order: SVU followed at 9pm with a repeat as well that did 2.66 million and a 0.6 18-49 rating, which is terrible for a repeat for this series. At 10pm, a repeat of Chicago Fire did 3.45 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is OK. The CW aired a new airing of its new hit Arrow and did 3.06 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which beat the NBC comedy repeats and tied the CBS repeat. At 9pm, a new Supernatural did 1.99 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, getting by NBC's repeat. Yep, NBC was in repeats, but still lost to The CW on this night.

On Thursday, Fox easily took the night in both 18-49 and total viewers with Idol. Starting with ABC, a new episode of Last Resort did 5.07 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as this Thursday is the finale. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was new and did a solid 8.8 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, also down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week...but not bad at all vs. Idol. The surging Scandal at 10pm did 7.93 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week's series high but still the best 10pm ratings of the week on any network! CBS had a night of repeats and opened with a repeat of The Big Bang Theory doing 11.64 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, which is amazing for a repeat and most series wishes these days they can get that for a new episode. A repeat of Two and a Half Men was up next and benefited with 9.03 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating. At 9pm, a repeat of older-skewing Person of Interest followed with 9.4 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating. Should CBS opt for younger-skewing comedies next season, this series would be perfect on Tuesdays at 9 or 10. At 10pm, a repeat of freshman Elementary closed the night with 7.10 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, as I don't think a post-Super Bowl episode will give this show much of a bump. Fox had a two-hour American Idol from 8-10pm do 16.28 million and a 5.6 18-49 rating, which was down four tenths in 18-49 from the previous night but down just slightly from the Thursday premiere from last season. Glee returns this week at 9. NBC aired new episodes of its comedies, as a new 30 Rock did just 3.44 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week as there are just two weeks left for this series. At 8:30pm, the new time of Parks & Recreation was off to a decent start with 3.92 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating. It's only one week, so don't get excited yet. At 9, The Office was new and did 4.15 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week despite a higher lead-in. A new episode of 1600 Penn followed with only 3.04 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, as it was down four tenths in 18-49 from previous week. Not good at all. And it got worse at 10pm with a new Rock Center with Brian Williams doing 4.41 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, but on par in 18-49 with previous week. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries aired at 8 and did 2.95 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, which is great. At 9, Beauty and the Beast was preempted for an encore of the premiere of The Carrie Diaries that did 1.14 million and a 0.4 18-49 rating.

Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS took first in 18-49. New episodes of Last Man Standing and Malibu Country were down for ABC, as CBS took the hour with Undercover Boss. ABC was back to first at 9pm with a repeat of Shark Tank tying CSI: NY at 9. From 9-11pm Dateline did OK on NBC, growing at 10pm. CBS took 10pm with Blue Bloods and ABC 20/20 was down. The Fringe two-hour series finale was a distant fourth for Fox as it only got a prelim 1.0 18-49 rating...ouch.
Saturday was very low rated with no network averaging over 1. Fox's two episodes of Cops took the night from 8-9pm, while CBS took 10pm with 48 Hours. ABC did OK for Saturday edition of 20/20 at 8. NBC didn't do much with repeats of Deception, Chicago Fire and SVU.

Tonight ABC Sunday is all-new with its normal line-up of AFV, Once Upon a Time, Revenge but 10pm has a special repeat of Shark Tank. Look for a second place finish behind CBS's coverage of the AFC Championship Game. NBC devotes the night to four hours of The Biggest Loser repeats, which is likely a distant fourth place finish. CBS as mentioned is preempting its normal 60 Minutes, The Good Wife & The Mentatlist for coverage of the NFL AFC Championship Game from 6:30-10pm, followed by a special all-new Hawaii Five-0 at 10. CBS will easily be #1. Fox's animation block is all repeats from 7-10pm and could battle NBC for third but I think Fox will take third.

As for the week (week 17), CBS will likely take first in 18-49 thanks to the playoff game tonight obviously, as Fox will have to settle for second despite having the Idol premiere. ABC and NBC will be behind. For total viewers, it should be CBS on top here as well, then likely ABC, Fox and NBC in that order. As for the coming week (week 18), we have some series premieres! Look for Fox to premiere new drama The Following tomorrow night at 9 and ABC to premiere new reality entry The Taste on Tuesday from 8-10. Some finales this week as well, including series finale for Private Practice and Last Resort and the season finale for Parenthood.

Week 17 How the Sitcoms Did

Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for Week 16 -- Jan. 7-13)

The Simpsons (Fox) - A new episode at 8 did 5.04 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, down 1.8 points in 18-49 from previous week when it was following NFL Wildcard Playoff action.
The Cleveland Show (Fox) - A new episode at 7:30pm did just 2.66 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating.
Bob's Burgers (Fox) 2 airings - At 8:30, a new episode did 4.44 million and 2.3 18-49 rating, which is down about eight tenths in 18-49 from previous week when it was inflated because of NFL. A repeat earlier in the night at 7 did only 2.11 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating.
Family Guy (Fox) - A new episode at 9 did 6.01 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, which is down about four tenths in 18-49 week-to-week.
American Dad! (Fox) - A 9:30pm airing was new and did 4.82 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, which is also down about four tenths in 18-49 from the previous week.
Happy Endings (ABC) - The second new airing on Sundays did only 2.07 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week for a series low. The final Sunday airing has been pulled tonight, as the series will remain on Tuesdays only.
Don't Trust the B--- in Apartment 23 (ABC) - A new episode at 10:30pm did 1.76 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, also down a tenth in 18-49 from previous for a series low. And the last Sunday airing is not airing tonight. There is a chance we won't see it back on Tuesdays either.

Monday Sitcoms

How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A new episode at 8 did 10.51 million and a 3.9 18-49 rating, which is above average for this season.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - A special Monday repeat at 8:30pm did amazing with 11.7 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating.
2 Broke Girls (CBS) - A new episode at 9 did 12.45 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, which is helped by the stronger lead-in obviously and also not facing The Voice/Dancing.
Mike & Molly (CBS) - A new airing at 9:30pm did 11.46 million and a 3.5 18-49 rating, which given the lead-in, could have been a bit higher in 18-49.

Tuesday Sitcoms

Raising Hope (Fox) - A new episode at 8 pulled 3.63 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week and again only good enough to tie an ABC sitcom repeat in the half-hour.
Modern Family (ABC) - A special 8pm repeat did 5.13 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 week-to-week and beating the new Fox airing in total viewers & tying it in 18-49 again.
Ben and Kate (Fox) - A new 8:30pm airing did only 2.2 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, which was down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Suburgatory (ABC) - A special repeat at 8:30pm did 3.17 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating, which is down five tenths in 18-49 from previous week's The Middle encore in the same timeslot.
New Girl (Fox) - A new showing at 9 did just 3.65 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, which is down two tenths in 18-49 from previous week for a series low.
Go On (NBC) - A new episode at 9 without The Voice as a lead-in, did only 4.45 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating, but up two tenths in 18-49 from previous week.
Happy Endings (ABC) - A new episode at 9pm did 3.05 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. I think this show deserves to air after comedies instead of on an island.
The Mindy Project (Fox) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 2.76 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating, once again on par with previous week but continues to be a huge disappointment.
The New Normal (NBC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 3.33 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating, as it went up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (ABC) - A new airing at 9:30pm didn't do much with just 2.73 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, but on par with previous week in 18-49. At this point, I would just save Happy Endings and I think that is what ABC will do by pulling this show soon.

Wednesday Sitcoms

The Middle (ABC) - A new episode at 8 did 8.21 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which was down only a tenth in 18-49 against Idol.
Whitney (NBC) - A repeat at 8 did 2.5 million and a 0.7 18-49 rating, which is not good for a repeat.
The Neighbors (ABC) - A new showing of this new comedy did 6.09 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week though. Still one of the surprises of the season in quality.
Guys with Kids (NBC) - At 8:30pm, a repeat of this series did 2.26 million and a 0.8 18-49 rating, which is not good but at least it grew but a tenth in 18-49 from its lead-in!
Modern Family (ABC) - A new episode at 9 did 11.0 million and a 4.3 18-49 rating. Got a little dented by Idol, but still strong and could come back higher this week with Idol likely going down.
Suburgatory (ABC) - A new episode at 9:30pm did 6.06 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which is solid but down three tenths in 18-49 from previous week.

Thursday Sitcoms

The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - At 8pm, a repeat did 11.64 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, which is excellent and better than most series' new episodes. It won't be new this week either...so it won't face Idol until the 31st.
Two and a Half Men (CBS) - A repeat did 9.03 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, not bad for a repeat.
30 Rock (NBC) - A new episode at 8 only mustered 3.44 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, down two tenths week-to-week, as we get ready for the series finale on Jan. 31.
1600 Penn (NBC) - A new episode at 9:30pm didn't do well with 3.04 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating, down four tenths from the previous week. I don't think this show will be lasting.
The Office (NBC) - A new episode did 4.15 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, which is down a tenth in 18-49 from previous week.
Parks & Recreation (NBC) - The move to 8:30pm did decent doing 3.92 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating. That was even above its last 9:30 airing. Good sign? One week is not the answer, so we'll have to keep an eye.

Friday Sitcoms

Last Man Standing (ABC) - A new episode did a prelim 7.05 million and a prelim 1.5 18-49 rating, about a tenth better in 18-49 from previous week's prelim ratings.
Malibu Country (ABC) - A new episode of this new comedy did a prelim 6.15 million and a prelim 1.4 18-49 rating, up two tenths or so in 18-49 from previous week's prelim ratings.
1600 Penn (NBC) 2 airings - The first two episodes repeated, with the 8pm airing doing a prelim 3.13 million and a prelim 0.8 18-49 rating. A second repeat did a prelim 2.92 million and a prelim 0.9 18-49 rating.

Saturday Sitcoms

None

Airing tonight (Sunday) are repeats of Fox Animation Domination comedies from 7-10pm following a repeat at 7.

Summing it up. Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, The Middle, Mike & Molly were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as Go On, The Office) or just plain terrible (such as Ben & Kate, 1600 Penn, 30 Rock).

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Friday, December 20

Happy's Place - "Ho-Ho-Howey" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When the tavern's health insurance is threatened to be canceled, Gabby has a plan; she'll persuade her friend Danny to host his company party at Happy's, but the catch is everyone must call Bobbie "Gabby" and Gabby "Bobbie."

Bob Hearts Abishola - "The Canadians of Africa" (The CW, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Abishola doesn't appreciate it when Bob gives her unsolicited parenting advice about her "unhappy son."

The Conners - "The Dog Days of Christmas" (The CW, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dan meets his in-laws for the first time when Louise's family comes to visit; Darlene helps Becky with a parenting problem.

Children Ruin Everything - "Ego" (The CW, 9:00PM ET/PT)
After Felix gets in trouble for defacing school property, Felix's teacher Mr. Dongall makes James feel like a parent.

Children Ruin Everything - "Memories" (The CW, 9:30PM ET/PT)
In a mockumentary style episode, Astrid realizes how hard she was on Nisha during her teenage years and tries to make up for it by arranging something special for Nisha's surprise birthday party; James misses the good old days of work.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of December 16)

Friday, December 20

Jason Bateman (Arrested Development/George and Leo/Chicago Sons/Simon/The Hogan Family/It's Your Move/Silver Spoons) - Watch Jason on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters/HouseBroken/Catastrophe) - Sharon is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock) - Dwayne appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Colton Dunn (Superstore) and Diona Reasonover (Clipped) - Colton and Diona are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Zachary Quinto (Big Mouth/So Notorious) - NBC's Today catches up with Zachary in the 9am hour.
Billy Eichner (Friends from College/Difficult People/Parks and Recreation) - Billy talks about Mufasa: The Lion King on NBC's Today in the 10am hour. He can also be heard on The Morning Mash Up on SiriusXM.
Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry talks about The Six Triple Eight on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am and on Sherri, so check your local listings.
James Marsden (30 Rock) and Ben Schwartz (The Afterparty/Space Force/Parks and Recreation) - James and Ben talk about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
Jamie Lee Curtis (The Sticky/Anything But Love/Operation Petticoat) - Jamie Lee chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Whitney Cummings (Whitney) - Whitney talks about Max's Fast Friends on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
Henry Winkler (Barry/Arrested Development/Out of Practice/Monty/Happy Days) - Access Daily with Mario & Kit has the best of Henry and Kit Hoover, so check your local listings.
Howie Mandel (Good Grief) - The Talk celebrates 15 seasons with a special finale episode; friend of the show Howie Mandel makes his 21st appearance on the show when he stops by one last time with a surprise for the hosts on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.