>The second night of American Idol was down 28% from last year. FOX still won the night, but suddenly CBS is nipping at its heels on this important night for advertisers.
Nightly Adult 18-49 Rating
Thursday FOX CBS ABC NBC
01.19.2012 3.9 3.5 2.4 1.7
01.20.2011 5.7 3.1 1.7 2.8
FOX took first place with the Thursday premiere of American Idol, but it is just barely ahead of CBS, in contrast to the commanding lead last year on this night. Night two of Idol is down 28% from last year, not a good sign that the year-to-year decline is accelerating. The Finder at 9 pm was up week to week, but still below what a weak Bones original can do in the time period recently without the support of American Idol. This night last year: American Idol (7.8) and Bones (3.5).
Season Past Six Weeks
FOX Thu High Low 1215 1222 1229 01.5 1.12 1.19
X Factor 4.3 2.8 2.9 3.8 — —
American Idol 5.6 5.6 5.6*
Bones 3.3 2.4 1.5R — 1.1R 1.1R 2.4
The Finder 2.2 1.7 1.7 2.2*
CBS stayed competitive on the night with a 3.5 rating from 8-11 pm. Big Bang Theory faced down Idol and did virtually the same strong number as it did last week (and it could be adjusted up to last week’s number in the official nationals later today). Rob declined in its second week but still turned in a solid 3.6 rating. At 9 pm, Person of Interest looks like it will set a season high, while The Mentalist is currently tied with its season high. On the same night last year: Big Bang Theory (4.2), $#*! My Dad Says (2.8), CSI (3.1) and The Mentalist (2.8).
Season Past Six Weeks
CBS Thu High Low 1215 1222 1229 01.5 1.12 1.19
Big Bang Theory 5.4 4.5 2.9R 2.6R 2.8R 3.5R 5.3 5.2*
Rules Engagment 3.7 2.7 2.7 1.9R 2.1R 2.5R
Rob 4.1 3.6 4.1 3.6*
Person Interest 3.2 2.6 2.8 1.6R 1.7R 1.8R 3.2 3.3*
Mentalist 2.9 2.5 2.7 1.5R 1.7R 1.9R 2.7 2.9*
ABC finished in third place with a 2.4 rating from 8-11 pm, down four tenths from last week but up significantly from the mostly repeat slate on this night last year: Wipeout (2.6), Grey’s Anatomy (1.6) and Private Practice (1.0).
Season Past Six Weeks
ABC Thu High Low 1215 1222 1229 01.5 1.12 1.19
Charlie’s Ang 2.1 1.1 — — — —
Wipeout 2.7 1.8 2.7 2.2 1.8*
Grey’s Anatomy 4.5 3.1 — 0.7R 0.7R 4.5 3.8 3.4*
Private Prac 2.8 2.1 — — — 2.7 2.3 2.1*
NBC aired its entire lineup in originals last night and averaged a 1.7 rating from 8-11 pm, down one tenth of a rating point from last week. Facing a weaker but still relatively high-rated American Idol, 30 Rock was down from last week but Parks & Recreation actually tick up this week. The Office turned in the same number as last week (just below the 3.0 line), while Up All Night slid one tenth (below the 2.0 line) and The Firm faded under the 1.0 level. Last year on this night NBC managed a 2.8 rating from 8-11 pm: Community (2.2), Perfect Couples (2.1), The Office (4.5), Parks & Recreation (3.2), 30 Rock (2.7) and Outsourced (1.8).
Season Past Six Weeks
NBC Thu High Low 1215 1222 1229 01.5 1.12 1.19
Community 1.8 1.4 0.7R — 0.6R 0.8R
30 Rock 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.6*
Parks & Rec 2.1 1.8 0.7R — 0.7R 0.9R 1.9 2.0*
The Office 3.9 2.9 1.1R 0.9R 1.0R 1.1R 2.9 2.9*
Whitney 3.3 1.9 0.8R 0.8R 0.8R 0.8R
Up All Night 2.0 1.9 2.0 1.9*
Prime Suspect 1.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 — —
The Firm 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.9*
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