>ABC again was the only major network with original episodes, giving it a first-place finish. Mini-network The CW (not usually tracked in this column) also had original drama telecasts and finished ahead of fifth-place NBC.
Nightly Adult 18-49 Rating
Thursday ABC CBS FOX CW NBC
01.05.2012 3.4 2.3 0.9 1.1 0.9
01.06.2011 3.6 3.4 1.2 n/a 1.2
ABC had another good night by being the only full service network with originals last night, a wise decision in one of the most-viewed weeks of the year, as viewers return to their TV sets after the holiday distractions. ABC averaged a first-place 3.4 rating from 8-11 pm. Wipeout (winter edition) premiered at 8 pm with a 2.8 rating with Adults 18-49, and the two female soaps returned after a long hiatus with season-high ratings. Last year on this night, ABC averaged a 3.6 rating for the night (although the dramas were up slightly this year, Wipeout was down considerably from last year): Wipeout (3.8), Grey’s Anatomy (4.2) and Private Practice (2.7).
Season Past Six Weeks
ABC Thu High Low 12.1 12.8 1215 1222 1229 01.5
Charlie’s Ang 2.1 1.1 — — — — — —
Grey’s Anatomy 4.5 3.1 — — — 0.7R 0.7R 4.5*
Private Prac 2.8 2.1 — — — — — 2.8*
CBS, with an all-repeat slate, came in second place with a 2.3 rating for the evening last night. The 8-9 pm comedies repeated particularly well last night, while the two crime dramas were somewhat above recent repeat levels. Last year on this night, CBS went with originals and gave ABC a run for its money, averaging a 3.4 on 1.6.2011: Big Bang Theory (4.4), $#*! My Dad Says (2.9), CSI (3.3) and The Mentalist (3.1).
Season Past Six Weeks
CBS Thu High Low 12.1 12.8 1215 1222 1229 01.5
Big Bang Theory 5.4 4.5 2.9R 4.6 2.9R 2.6R 2.8R 3.5R
Rules Engagment 3.7 2.7 2.2R 3.0 2.7 1.9R 2.1R 2.6R
Person Interest 3.1 2.6 1.6R 2.8 2.8 1.6R 1.7R 1.9R
Mentalist 2.9 2.5 1.6R 2.7 2.7 1.5R 1.7R 1.9R
FOX was a weak third place (1.2 rating from 8-10 pm) with repeat Bones episodes at 8 pm (1.2) and 9 pm (1.1). This night last year: Million Dollar Drop (1.4) and Bones repeat (1.0).
Season Past Six Weeks
FOX Thu High Low 12.1 12.8 1215 1222 1229 01.5
X Factor 4.3 2.8 3.1 2.9 2.9 3.8 — —
Bones 3.3 2.6 2.8 2.4 1.5R — 1.1R 1.1R
The CW came in fourth place with a 1.1 rating from 8-10 pm, mostly thanks to a 1.4 for The Vampire Diaries at 8 pm. The Secret Circle (an original) followed at 9 pm with a 0.8 rating.
NBC’s night of repeat comedies turned in a fifth-place 0.9 rating. In addition to the repeat performances listed below for the regular 8-10 pm comedy schedule, the last hour of prime time finished with a very weak 0.7 rating for both The Office and Up All Night. Last year on this night NBC managed a 1.2 rating from 8-11 pm with the same six-comedy strategy: Community (1.0), 30 Rock (1.2), The Office (1.7), Outsourced (1.2), The Office (1.0) and The Office (1.2).
Season Past Six Weeks
NBC Thu High Low 12.1 12.8 1215 1222 1229 01.5
Community 1.8 1.4 1.7 1.5 0.7R — 0.6R 0.8R
Parks & Rec 2.1 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.7R — 0.7R 0.9R
The Office 3.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 1.1R 0.9R 1.0R 1.1R
Whitney 3.3 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.8R 0.8R 0.8R 0.9R
Prime Suspect 1.8 0.8 1.3 — 0.9 1.0 — —
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