Sunday, February 19, 2017

Week 22 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did


2016-17 Week 22 TV Ratings (first four nights Mon-Thu): 

Households: #1. CBS 5.04/9 rating/share (even in rating from first four nights week 21); #2. ABC  3.38/6 (-2%); #3. NBC 3.29/6 (-3%); #4. Fox 2.42/4 (-11%); #5. The CW 0.82/1 (-23%).
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 8.110 million (even from first four nights week 21); #2. ABC 5.243 million (-2%); #3. NBC 5.219 million (-3%); #4. Fox 3.903 million (-10%); #5. The CW 1.334 million (-21%).
Adults 18-49: #1. ABC 1.48/5 rating/share (-3% in rating from first four nights week 21); #2. CBS 1.32/5 (even); #3. NBC 1.20/4 (-3%); #4. Fox 1.05/4 (-11%); #5. The CW 0.47/2 (-20%)

We have previous week's final ratings, Week 21 (2/6/17-2/12/17, LIVE+SD). CBS obviously won the week in A18-49, with the Grammy's, and did a 2.12 rating.  ABC was #2 with a 1.42 rating.  NBC was #3 with a 0.99 rating, while Fox was #4 with a 0.88 rating  Among total viewers, CBS of course was #1 with 10.286 million, with ABC #2 at 5.135 million.  NBC was #3 with 4.514 million and Fox at #4 with 3.136 million.

For season to-date (9/19/16-2/16/17, LIVE+SD), NBC is 1 in A18-49 with a 2.03 rating, followed by Fox at #2 with a 1.99 rating thanks to the Super Bowl and also heavily inflated by a high 7-game World Series. Without those 2 events, Fox would be #4. CBS is  #3 with a 1.57 rating and ABC at #4 with a 1.25 rating. Among total viewers it is CBS #1 at 8.494 million, followed by the dropping NBC at #2 with 7.651 million. Super Bow/World Series boosted Fox still at #3 with 6.380 million as ABC is #4 with 5.153 million.

Back to week 22 (Feb. 13-19), read our full night-by-night analysis followed by how the sitcoms did! GREAT showings are in BOLD. If they are in bold in both total viewers and 18-49, then it is very impressive:


Week 22 (Feb. 13-19) Analysis















Last Sunday (Feb. 12)(Week 21)This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
Super BowlFox6:38PM
111,317,000(111,317,000)
37.11(37.11)
60 MinutesCBS7:00PM8,433,0002,271,0006,162,000 1.250.221.03 7-730P vs. REPEAT
AFVABC7:00PM5,828,0001,756,0004,072,000 1.150.270.88 vs. REPEAT
Son of ZornFox7:00PM781,000
781,000 0.28
0.28 REPEAT
DatelineNBC7:00PM5,082,000
5,082,000 0.75
0.75 REPEAT
NBC MovieNBC7:00PM
1,236,000(1,236,000)
0.21(0.21)7-9P
Grammys Pre ShowCBS7:30PM10,067,000
10,067,000 2.10
2.10
The SimpsonsFox7:30PM1,292,000
1,292,000 0.56
0.56 REPEAT
GrammysCBS8:00PM26,071,000
26,071,000 7.83
7.83 8-1142P
NCISCBS8:00PM
2,905,000(2,905,000)
0.29(0.29)
ABC MovieABC8:00PM3,906,000
3,906,000 0.89
0.89 8-11P REPEAT
AFVABC8:00PM
2,252,000(2,252,000)
0.50(0.50)
NBC MovieNBC8:00PM2,469,000
2,469,000 0.67
0.67 8-11P
The SimpsonsFox8:00PM2,399,000
2,399,000 1.02
1.02
Son of ZornFox8:30PM1,400,000
1,400,000 0.58
0.58
NCIS: NOCBS9:00PM
3,155,000(3,155,000)
0.36(0.36)
Shark TankABC9:00PM
1,401,000(1,401,000)
0.35(0.35)
DatelineNBC9:00PM
1,341,000(1,341,000)
0.35(0.35)
Family GuyFox9:00PM1,859,000
1,859,000 0.88
0.88
Bob's BurgersFox9:30PM1,670,000
1,670,000 0.77
0.77
NCIS: LACBS10:00PM
3,621,000(3,621,000)
0.46(0.46)
Shark TankABC10:00PM
1,686,000(1,686,000)
0.44(0.44)
Super Bowl Post GmFox10:31PM
61,081,000(61,081,000)
21.77(21.77)
24: LegacyFox11:00PM
17,576,000(17,576,000)
6.11(6.11)
DatelineNBC10:00PM

-

-




















Monday

This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
Kevin Can WaitCBS8:00PM7,854,0007,906,000(52,000)1.541.54-
The BachelorABC8:00PM7,561,0007,466,00095,000 2.362.36- 8-10P
The WallNBC8:00PM3,895,000
3,895,000 0.93
0.93 REPEAT
Celebrity ApprenticeNBC8:00PM
3,475,000(3,475,000)
0.88(0.88)
24: LegacyFox8:00PM5,141,0006,224,000(1,083,000)1.251.48(0.23)
SupergirlCW8:00PM2,522,0002,428,00094,000 0.780.690.09
Man with a PlanCBS8:30PM7,202,0007,254,000(52,000)1.431.400.03
Superior DonutsCBS9:00PM7,249,0007,336,000(87,000)1.411.350.06
Celebrity ApprenticeNBC9:00PM3,478,000
3,478,000 0.89
0.89 FINALE
APBFox9:00PM4,527,0006,101,000(1,574,000)1.041.47(0.43)
Jane the VirginCW9:00PM1,068,000930,000138,000 0.410.300.11
2 Broke GirlsCBS9:30PM6,001,0005,981,00020,000 1.221.29(0.07)
ScorpionCBS10:00PM7,237,0007,756,000(519,000)1.171.23(0.06)
QuanticoABC10:00PM2,426,0002,613,000(187,000)0.640.66(0.02)
TimelessNBC10:00PM2,993,0002,923,00070,000 0.690.640.05










Tuesday

This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
NCISCBS8:00PM15,290,00015,568,000(278,000)1.811.670.14
The MiddleABC8:00PM6,320,0006,380,000(60,000)1.491.55(0.06)
The WallNBC8:00PM5,759,0006,141,000(382,000)1.391.47(0.08)
New GirlFox8:00PM2,125,0002,187,000(62,000)0.920.94(0.02)
Tough MudderCW8:00PM722,0002,906,000(2,184,000)0.241.10(0.86)vs. Flash
American HousewifeABC8:30PM5,334,0005,386,000(52,000)1.461.52(0.06)
The MickFox8:30PM2,469,0002,456,00013,000 0.980.940.04
BullCBS9:00PM10,635,00010,779,000(144,000)1.341.260.08
Fresh off The BoatABC9:00PM3,664,0003,816,000(152,000)1.031.18(0.15)
This Is UsNBC9:00PM9,034,0009,565,000(531,000)2.382.55(0.17)
BonesFox9:00PM2,966,0003,067,000(101,000)0.750.75-
The FlashCW9:00PM700,0001,774,000(1,074,000)0.220.67(0.45)REPEAT vs. Legends
The Real O'NealsABC9:30PM2,871,0002,790,00081,000 0.800.91(0.11)
NCIS: NOCBS10:00PM10,319,0009,008,0001,311,000 1.231.010.22
Agents of SHIELDABC10:00PM2,125,0002,084,00041,000 0.650.69(0.04)
Chicago FireNBC10:00PM6,772,0006,868,000(96,000)1.511.51-










Wednesday
This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
HuntedCBS8:00PM5,258,0005,367,000(109,000)1.181.22(0.04)
The GoldbergsABC8:00PM6,505,0006,194,000311,000 1.781.760.02
BlindspotNBC8:00PM4,065,0004,641,000(576,000)0.830.95(0.12)
Lethal WeaponFox8:00PM6,365,0006,246,000119,000 1.391.300.09
ArrowCW8:00PM1,663,0001,608,00055,000 0.600.560.04
SpeechlessABC8:30PM5,639,0005,538,000101,000 1.601.62(0.02)
Criminal MindsCBS9:00PM7,339,0006,700,000639,000 1.271.170.10
Modern FamilyABC9:00PM6,918,0007,337,000(419,000)2.002.26(0.26)
Law & Order: SVUNBC9:00PM6,005,0006,926,000(921,000)1.441.64(0.20)
StarFox9:00PM4,074,0004,119,000(45,000)1.231.31(0.08)
The 100CW9:00PM1,045,0001,013,00032,000 0.370.37-
black-ishABC9:30PM5,272,0005,314,000(42,000)1.501.55(0.05)
DoubtCBS10:00PM5,306,0006,066,000(760,000)0.760.93(0.17)PREMIERE vs. Code
Match GameABC10:00PM3,452,0003,543,000(91,000)0.890.96(0.07)
Chicago P.D.NBC10:00PM6,679,0006,265,000414,000 1.311.300.01










Thursday
This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PM13,511,00014,145,000(634,000)2.793.03(0.24)
Grey's AnatomyABC8:00PM7,675,0008,456,000(781,000)2.062.14(0.08)
SuperstoreNBC8:00PM3,671,0003,541,000130,000 1.141.090.05
MasterChef JuniorFox8:00PM3,718,0004,208,000(490,000)1.091.29(0.20)
SupernaturalCW8:00PM1,811,0001,730,00081,000 0.680.580.10
Great IndoorsCBS8:30PM8,010,0007,437,000573,000 1.601.510.09
PowerlessNBC8:30PM2,492,0002,525,000(33,000)0.770.82(0.05)
MomCBS9:00PM7,872,0007,563,000309,000 1.511.51-
ScandalABC9:00PM6,059,0006,216,000(157,000)1.641.590.05
Chicago MedNBC9:00PM6,101,0006,073,00028,000 1.171.110.06
My Kitchen RulesFox9:00PM2,075,0002,457,000(382,000)0.680.87(0.19)
RiverdaleCW9:00PM1,139,0001,197,000(58,000)0.440.46(0.02)
Life in PiecesCBS9:30PM6,325,0006,082,000243,000 1.311.280.03
Training DayCBS10:00PM3,830,0004,435,000(605,000)0.690.82(0.13)
How to Get Away w/MurderABC10:00PM4,658,0004,919,000(261,000)1.321.310.01
The BlacklistNBC10:00PM4,759,0004,914,000(155,000)0.870.92(0.05)










Friday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
MacGyverCBS8:00PM7,310,0008,024,000(714,000)0.901.22(0.32)
Last Man StandingABC8:00PM6,450,000
6,450,000 1.10
1.10
Charlie Brown ValentineABC8:00PM
4,162,000(4,162,000)
0.97(0.97)
GrimmNBC8:00PM3,870,0003,997,000(127,000)0.800.720.08
RosewoodFox8:00PM2,730,0002,912,000(182,000)0.600.68(0.08)
The Vampire DiariesCW8:00PM1,020,0001,111,000(91,000)0.400.45(0.05)
Dr. KenABC8:30PM4,260,000
4,260,000 0.80
0.80
Hawaii Five-0CBS9:00PM9,480,0009,859,000(379,000)1.101.31(0.21)
Shark TankABC9:00PM5,180,0005,809,000(629,000)1.101.34(0.24)
Emerald CityNBC9:00PM2,410,0002,344,00066,000 0.600.580.02
Sleepy HollowFox9:00PM1,830,0002,002,000(172,000)0.500.54(0.04)
ReignCW9:00PM680,000778,000(98,000)0.200.24(0.04)
Blue BloodsCBS10:00PM9,990,00010,652,000(662,000)1.101.22(0.12)
20/20ABC10:00PM4,170,0004,586,000(416,000)0.900.91(0.01)
DatelineNBC10:00PM3,270,0003,605,000(335,000)0.800.710.09










Saturday(PRELIMINARY #s) This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-This WkPrev WeekWk-to-Wk +/-
TitleNetworkTimeTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes
RansomCBS8:00PM3,100,0003,204,000(104,000)0.400.350.05
ABC MovieABC8:00PM1,568,000
1,568,000 0.50
0.50 8-10P
NBA CountdownABC8:00PM
3,139,000(3,139,000)
0.97(0.97)
Dateline MysteryNBC8:00PM4,180,0004,494,000(314,000)0.600.66(0.06)8-10P
24: Legacy Fox8:00PM938,0001,274,000(336,000)0.200.28(0.08)REPEAT
NBA Saturday PrimeABC8:30PM
6,036,000(6,036,000)
2.18(2.18)
Crimetime SaturdayCBS9:00PM3,120,0002,553,000567,000 0.400.380.02 REPEAT vs. 48 Hrs
APBFox9:00PM1,032,0001,361,000(329,000)0.300.31(0.01)REPEAT vs. 24(R)
48 Hours MysteryCBS10:00PM4,130,0004,463,000(333,000)0.600.580.02
20/20 SaturdayABC10:00PM2,290,000
2,290,000 0.50
0.50
SNL(R) NBC10:00PM3,610,0003,517,00093,000 0.900.830.07 REPEAT


Sitcoms in green did excellent for the week, while yellow indicates decent showings and red is not good! This is sorted by adults 18-49:



Week 22 (Feb. 13-19) How the Sitcoms Did
(Sun comedies are previous week and Fri/Sat are prelim ratings)
Sorted by 18-49 Rtg
TitleNetworkTimeDayTotal Viewers18-49 RtgNotes







The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PMThu13,511,0002.79
Modern FamilyABC9:00PMWed6,918,0002.00
The GoldbergsABC8:00PMWed6,505,0001.78
SpeechlessABC8:30PMWed5,639,0001.60
The Great IndoorsCBS8:30PMThu8,010,0001.60
Kevin Can WaitCBS8:00PMMon7,854,0001.54
MomCBS9:00PMThu7,872,0001.51
black-ishABC9:30PMWed5,272,0001.50
The MiddleABC8:00PMTue6,320,0001.49
American HousewifeABC8:30PMTue5,334,0001.46
Man with a PlanCBS8:30PMMon7,202,0001.43
Superior DonutsCBS9:00PMMon7,249,0001.41
Life In PiecesCBS9:30PMThu6,325,0001.31
2 Broke GirlsCBS9:30PMMon6,001,0001.22
SuperstoreNBC8:00PMThu3,671,0001.14
Last Man StandingABC8:00PMFri6,450,0001.1
Fresh off the BoatABC9:00PMTue3,664,0001.03
The SimpsonsFox8:00PMSun2,399,0001.02
The MickFox8:30PMTue2,469,0000.98
New GirlFox8:00PMTue2,125,0000.92
Family GuyFox9:00PMSun1,859,0000.88
The Real O'NealsABC9:30PMTue2,871,0000.80
Dr. KenABC8:30PMFri4,260,0000.8
PowerlessNBC8:30PMThu2,492,0000.77
Bob's BurgersFox9:30PMSun1,670,0000.77
Son of ZornFox8:30PMSun1,400,0000.58
The SimpsonsFox7:30PMSun1,292,0000.56REPEAT
Animation DominationFox7:00PMSun781,0000.28REPEAT
2 Broke GirlsCBS8:00PMTue

preempted
The Big Bang TheoryCBS8:00PMMon

preempted
Kevin Can WaitCBS8:30PMTue

preempted
Brooklyn Nine-NineFox8:30PMSun

preempted
The Last Man on EarthFox9:30PMSun

preempted
The Odd CoupleCBS9:30PMMon

completed
The Good PlaceNBC8:30PMThu

completed
Great NewsNBC8:00PMThu


MarlonNBC9:30PMThu


Trial & ErrorsNBC9:00PMTue


Downward DogABC9:00PMTue


Imaginary MaryABC9:30PMTue


Making HistoryFox8:30PMSun



SOURCE: Nielsen Media Research


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, August 24

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Murder at Sea" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Gemma throws Dave an unforgettable murder mystery birthday party. Meanwhile, Malcolm uses the celebration to introduce Mercedes to his family.

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to the Two-Ring Circus" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A change of plans sends Mercedes and Tina on a memorable night out that prompts several couples to take a closer look at what they truly want from their relationships. Meanwhile, Dave’s visit to Gemma’s school sparks an honest conversation about her feelings toward her job.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - "The Gang Gets Tested" (FX and FXX, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Dennis and Dee are diagnosed with ADHD, and even more shocking: Mac isn't. They go back to school for a do-over now that they understand their brains better. Written by Charlie Day and directed by Richie Keen.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of August 24)

Monday, August 24

  • Glen Powell (Chad Powers/Scream Queens) - Watch Glen on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Colman Domingo (The Four Seasons) - Colman appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Brett Goldstein (Shrinking/Ted Lasso) - Brett is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Adam Scott (Ghosted/Veep/Parks and Recreation/Party Down) - Adam talks about Whisper Man on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
  • Ariana DeBose (Schmigadoon!) - Ariana talks about Scarpetta on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Jamie Lee Curtis (The Sticky/Anything But Love/Operation Petticoat) - Jamie Lee talks about Ella McKay on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD) The Office - The Complete Series - Superfan Extended Episodes (Blu-ray) The Bill Dana Show - The Complete Series (DVD) I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

01/20/26 - The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (Blu-ray)
01/27/26 - The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/11/26 - Tom and Jerry - The Complete CinemaScope Collection (Blu-ray)
03/24/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
04/11/26 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD)
04/21/26 - Famous Studios Champion Collection (Blu-ray) (DVD)
05/19/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (DVD)
05/19/26 - Looney Tunes Cartoons - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
06/16/26 - Difficult People - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
06/30/26 - Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
07/14/26 - The Office - The Complete Series - Superfan Extended Episodes (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Bill Dana Show - The Complete Series (DVD)
07/28/26 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series - 75th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)
07/28/26 - The Paper - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
08/25/26 - Perfect Strangers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/08/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 3 (Blu-ray)
09/22/26 - Bridget Loves Bernie - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/29/26 - The Quick Draw McGraw Show - 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

08/23 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 24, 2026)
08/22 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at Trailer for A Different World; SCTV Headed to Netflix
08/21 - Season 2 of Apple TV's Stick Premieres November 4; Canadian Comedy North of North Returns to Netflix
08/20 - Apple TV's Bad Monkey Season 2 Drops December 2; Hulu's Jamie Foxx Comedy Special
08/19 - The CW Mondays This Fall; Lifetime's Powerful September Movie Events
08/18 - Hollywood Arts Premieres October 15 on Netflix; Remembering Hayden Panettiere
08/17 - Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Renewed for Season 2; Randall Park Joins Minimum Wage
08/16 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 17, 2026)
08/15 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Saved for a Second Season; Netflix Renews Seinfeld Rights
08/14 - Hulu's Trailer for Chad Powers Season 2; Freeform's Coven Academy Premieres October 1
08/13 - Trailer for Season 2 of FXX's Adults; Trailer for Season 2 of Peacock's The Paper
08/12 - Brandy to Sing Theme Song for A Different World; Damon Wayans Reuniting with David Alan Grier on St. Denis Medical
08/11 - Peacock's Dig Premieres November 23; Disney+ and Hulu Announce Video Podcasts for Boy Mets World, Scrubs, and Desperate Housewives
08/10 - Conan O'Brien Must Go Season 3; Disney's Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story
08/09 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 10, 2026)
08/08 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Joe Dirt Animated Series in the Works at Fox; First Look at The Varnell Hill Show
08/07 - Disney's Big City Greens Brings Out the Guest Stars; The New SuperKitty Premieres Today
08/06 - The Varnell Hill Show Coming to Paramount+ on September 1; Hallmark's 3rd Installment of Holiday Touchdown
08/05 - Colin from Accounts Final Season Premieres September 10; The X-Files: I Want to Believe Gets Director's Cut on Disney+ & Hulu
08/04 - Amazon MGM Studios Orders Improvised Sitcom; The CW Renews Game Shows for Season 3
08/03 - CBS Announces Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen 20th Anniversary Special; Hulu to Debut Exclusive Bob's Burgers Holiday Short
08/02 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 3, 2026)
08/01 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Clueless Sequel Series Starring Alicia Silverstone Ordered at Paramount+; Tubi Removing Some Warner Animated Series
07/31 - Netflix's Leanne Season 2 Trailer; Paramount+ Greenlights Clueless Event Series Starring Alicia Silverstone
07/30 - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 Premieres August 17 on FXX, FX and Hulu; Chad Powers Season 2 Premieres September 3 on Hulu
07/29 - Ted Lasso Returns to the Pitch August 5 on Apple TV; Hulu Unveils Futurama Season 14 Trailer and Announces Three XXXL-Sized Specials
07/28 - ABC Fall 2026 Premiere Dates; CBS Fall 2026 Premiere Dates
07/27 - Netflix's Tires Season 3 Debuts August 13; Family Guy Halloween and Holiday Specials Return Exclusively to Hulu This Year
07/26 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 27, 2026)
07/25 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Paramount and Warner Merger on Hold; Paramount+ Cancels Crutch
07/24 - Hulu's Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane Block Party; Whitmer Thomas HBO Comedy Special
07/23 - Fox's Stewie Announces Voice Cast; Clash of the Thundermans Premiere Date and Details, with Ariel Winter Joining the Cast