| Scoreboard for Thurs, Jan. 31, 2008 |  |
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 |
 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Viewers (million) | 13.59 | 10.37 | 10.30 | 6.83 | 3.40 |
| Rating/Share: Adults 18-49 | 5.3/14 | 2.4/6 | 3.2/8 | 2.8/7 | 1.4/4 |
With the season four premiere of Lost, ABC easily won the last night of January. While Lost did not have it’s biggest ratings ever, or perform as well as say Desperate Houswives, an hour worth of recap and the premiere both had solid performance in viewers and in the 18-49 demographic and both hours easily won their timeslots. And while it was still January, technically last night was the first night of February sweeps, so at least briefly — say until Sunday when the Super Bowl airs on FOX, ABC is off to a good start.
The recap performed much better than I thought it would and I’d have to concede that whether I found it any good or not, that along with about 13 million other people I watched it. The premiere itself averaged around 16 million viewers — and it definitely did leave me wanting more and anticipating next week.
More surprising to me was the performance of the premiere of ABC’s Eli Stone following the Lost premiere. The results for the first half hour will likely change some as Lost technically ran past 10pm, but Eli averaged ~12.5 million for the first half hour and 10.75 million in the second half hour. This is not dramatically great performance, but given the George Michael tie-in, many more gave it a chance than I would’ve thought.
More commentary and full half hourly data after the jump:
Though CBS had the second most viewers it could muster no better than fourth place in the 18-49 demographic. Still, considering the lineup of repeats of CSI: NY, CSI and Without a Trace, CBS dramas continue to perform well in reruns compared to the other Networks.
NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice lost some ground while Lost aired, but grabbed some of it back at 10pm.
But the trend is realy still FOX’s friend. It’s lineup of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and Don’t Forget the Lyrics performed very well and FOX finished second in the 18-49 demo for the night.
New episodes of Smallville and Supernatural aired on the CW and gave the network some of its best non-Friday Night Smackdown! numbers in a while, which I suppose given the Lost premiere was excellent performance.
| Time | Network | Show | Viewers (Millons) | 18-49 Rating/Share | HH Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 | ABC | Lost Recap: Past, Present & Future | 12.87 | 4.7/13 | 7.9 |
| CBS | CSI: NY (R ) | 8.33 | 1.7/5 | 5.6 | |
| NBC | My Name is Earl (R ) | 5.30 | 2.2/6 | 3.4 | |
| FOX | Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | 9.60 | 2.8/8 | 5.9 | |
| CW | Smallville | 3.62 | 1.5/4 | 2.3 | |
| 8:30 | ABC | Lost Recap: Past, Present & Future | 13.25 | 5.2/13 | 8.0 |
| CBS | CSI: NY (R ) | 9.31 | 2.0/5 | 6.1 | |
| NBC | The Office (R ) | 4.48 | 1.9/5 | 2.9 | |
| FOX | Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | 11.53 | 3.4/9 | 6.9 | |
| CW | Smallville | 4.02 | 1.7/4 | 2.5 | |
| 9:00 | ABC | Lost: Season 4 Premiere | 15.95 | 6.6/16 | 9.4 |
| CBS | CSI (R ) | 11.82 | 2.7/7 | 7.7 | |
| NBC | Celebrity Apprentice | 6.81 | 2.7/7 | 4.5 | |
| FOX | Don't Forget the Lyrics | 9.63 | 3.1/8 | 5.7 | |
| CW | Supernatural | 3.02 | 1.3/3 | 1.8 | |
| 9:30 | ABC | Lost: Season 4 Premiere | 16.19 | 6.8/17 | 9.5 |
| CBS | CSI (R ) | 11.93 | 2.8/7 | 7.8 | |
| NBC | Celebrity Apprentice | 6.95 | 2.8/7 | 4.5 | |
| FOX | Don't Forget the Lyrics | 10.44 | 3.4/8 | 6.2 | |
| CW | Supernatural | 2.95 | 1.3/3 | 1.8 | |
| 10:00 | ABC | Eli Stone: Series Premiere | 12.51 | 4.6/12 | 7.8 |
| CBS | Without a Trace (R ) | 10.28 | 2.3/6 | 7.0 | |
| NBC | Celebrity Apprentice | 8.17 | 3.4/9 | 5.3 | |
| 10:30 | ABC | Eli Stone: Series Premiere | 10.75 | 3.8/11 | 6.9 |
| CBS | Without a Trace (R ) | 10.52 | 2.6/7 | 7.2 | |
| NBC | Celebrity Apprentice | 9.24 | 3.8/11 | 6.1 |
Nielsen Ratings Source: Nielsen Media Research. Full night’s results available via Marc Berman/Mediaweek.
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hey ABC stop the overun of lost
hey ABC stop the overun of lost
Now you see, I didn't think the George Michael issue would affect viewing, I thought it would be the comparisons to Ally McBeal.
Haven't we already seen Eli Stone, but in drag?
Now you see, I didn’t think the George Michael issue would affect viewing, I thought it would be the comparisons to Ally McBeal.
Haven’t we already seen Eli Stone, but in drag?
It goes to show once again, that marketing still has power. ABC relaunched Lost as if it were a new show and got an expected bump in the ratings.
My guess is that Lost will quickly slim back to last year's ratings and will continue its downward slide.
Hard to tell what Eli Stone will do. I didn't find it interesting, but the comparisons with Ally McBeal make me think it may be one of those few shows I have a blind spot on.
It will be interesting to see.
It goes to show once again, that marketing still has power. ABC relaunched Lost as if it were a new show and got an expected bump in the ratings.
My guess is that Lost will quickly slim back to last year’s ratings and will continue its downward slide.
Hard to tell what Eli Stone will do. I didn’t find it interesting, but the comparisons with Ally McBeal make me think it may be one of those few shows I have a blind spot on.
It will be interesting to see.
Remember when you evaluate “Lost”, you have to evaluate the Live+7 numbers, or you dont see the whole story. Last season when Lost moved to 10 pm, they lost seemingly 15 percent of their audience and everyone attributed it to a “downward slide” caused by the show “refusing to answer everyone's questions” and all that silliness. And then, as Neilsen perfected its ability to measure DVR viewing up to 7 days later, all those supposedly “lost” “Lost” viewers were miraculously found again. They were going to bed and taping the show for later. It turned out the audience loss was a mere ONE PERCENT, not fifteen. “Lost” may indeed continue its downward slide amongst those who watch the show live, because so many prefer to record it and watch it slowly and repeatedly to pick up all of its intricate plotting and sumptuous cinematography. But I think the total audience will slowly rebuild in anticipation of the 2010 conclusion.
Fair point Rob, indeed the Live+7 numbers will be higher. But how much higher? Let's take the most recent airing of Grey's Anatomy as an example. It had 15.97m live and 3.67 DVR viewers for a total of 19.62 million.
The thing to note though is a large % of the DVR viewers watch it the SAME DAY. The overnight #s reported for that episode of Greys were 17.57, so about half its DVR viewing occured the same night.
I have no reason to think that Lost will vastly outperform Grey's in DVR viewing so I'd estimate the final Live+7 #s for the 1/31 9pm lost at ~18.5 million. We won't know for sure for over 2 weeks (the Live+7 numbers for 1/31won't be available until 2/18).
With that in mind, I view the #s for lost as very good but not great if the *season premiere* performs as well as an average Grey's, but not as well as some of the more highly rated Grey's.
Remember when you evaluate “Lost”, you have to evaluate the Live+7 numbers, or you dont see the whole story. Last season when Lost moved to 10 pm, they lost seemingly 15 percent of their audience and everyone attributed it to a “downward slide” caused by the show “refusing to answer everyone’s questions” and all that silliness. And then, as Neilsen perfected its ability to measure DVR viewing up to 7 days later, all those supposedly “lost” “Lost” viewers were miraculously found again. They were going to bed and taping the show for later. It turned out the audience loss was a mere ONE PERCENT, not fifteen. “Lost” may indeed continue its downward slide amongst those who watch the show live, because so many prefer to record it and watch it slowly and repeatedly to pick up all of its intricate plotting and sumptuous cinematography. But I think the total audience will slowly rebuild in anticipation of the 2010 conclusion.
Fair point Rob, indeed the Live+7 numbers will be higher. But how much higher? Let’s take the most recent airing of Grey’s Anatomy as an example. It had 15.97m live and 3.67 DVR viewers for a total of 19.62 million.
The thing to note though is a large % of the DVR viewers watch it the SAME DAY. The overnight #s reported for that episode of Greys were 17.57, so about half its DVR viewing occured the same night.
I have no reason to think that Lost will vastly outperform Grey’s in DVR viewing so I’d estimate the final Live+7 #s for the 1/31 9pm lost at ~18.5 million. We won’t know for sure for over 2 weeks (the Live+7 numbers for 1/31won’t be available until 2/18).
With that in mind, I view the #s for lost as very good but not great if the *season premiere* performs as well as an average Grey’s, but not as well as some of the more highly rated Grey’s.
Rob, weren't you adding DVR viewers to one total, but not to the other?
As for the “intricate plotting”, I call it “plot hole central”.
Rob, weren’t you adding DVR viewers to one total, but not to the other?
As for the “intricate plotting”, I call it “plot hole central”.
I think that “Lost” will be able to better retain viewers for these 8 episodes partially because of the writer's strike. Where can you go to find quality scripted programming on a Thursday night, let alone any night of the week now?
Besides this advantage, the 4th Season opener was entertaining and well written. I'm sure it will retain its audience in the next 7 weeks to come.
I think that “Lost” will be able to better retain viewers for these 8 episodes partially because of the writer’s strike. Where can you go to find quality scripted programming on a Thursday night, let alone any night of the week now?
Besides this advantage, the 4th Season opener was entertaining and well written. I’m sure it will retain its audience in the next 7 weeks to come.
We'll see Christian.
I don't even watch anything any longer on Thursday night. CSI is long past its prime, Without a Trace is a joke and well… I won't go into what I think of the rest of the networks' offerings (OK, The Office is just bad film making IMO)
Thursdays are completely up for grabs but the networks are so obsessed about ordering shows from whomever they read is “hip” that they are letting the strongest night of television dwindle away.
We’ll see Christian.
I don’t even watch anything any longer on Thursday night. CSI is long past its prime, Without a Trace is a joke and well… I won’t go into what I think of the rest of the networks’ offerings (OK, The Office is just bad film making IMO)
Thursdays are completely up for grabs but the networks are so obsessed about ordering shows from whomever they read is “hip” that they are letting the strongest night of television dwindle away.
Rena– For someone who likes the TVbytheNumbers website, you dont actually seem to like anything on TV. You seemingly think Lost is full of plot holes (signs of an inattentive viewer), you are grated by people that like Friday Night Lights, and you consider the No. 1 show on TV (CSI) way past its prime, and the No. 2 comedy on TV (after Two and a Half Men) “bad filmmaking.” So what is it that you actually like? Or do you just enjoy hating everything and hoping shows will be cancelled?
Rena– For someone who likes the TVbytheNumbers website, you dont actually seem to like anything on TV. You seemingly think Lost is full of plot holes (signs of an inattentive viewer), you are grated by people that like Friday Night Lights, and you consider the No. 1 show on TV (CSI) way past its prime, and the No. 2 comedy on TV (after Two and a Half Men) “bad filmmaking.” So what is it that you actually like? Or do you just enjoy hating everything and hoping shows will be cancelled?
Rob:
I'd appreciate your not insulting me.
Contrary to what you wrote, I am not a moron just because I don't lie a bad show that you defend.
I can like or not like whatever I want.
It's none of your business to attack me just because you disagree.
I have to say I'm very disappointed that you stooped to that level.
Shame on you!
On your surmise, The Office may be the #2 comedy (is that even true of is that yet another numbers spin), but that really doesn't mean much does it? Only one comedy really belongs on the schedule based on its ratings, and it's the always clever and funny Two and a Half Men.
The Office is to my eye, an affront to good film making and I find it completely unfunny. NBC is still trying to save it in spite of its pitiful ratings by constantly re-launching it (Fox is doing the same thing with Family Guy).
NBC would be doing much better if it tried to have well-made shows on its schedule rather than unwatchable shaky-cam fests like The Office and Friday Night Lights.
Instead of making better shows that are actually funny
Rob:
I’d appreciate your not insulting me.
Contrary to what you wrote, I am not a moron just because I don’t lie a bad show that you defend.
I can like or not like whatever I want.
It’s none of your business to attack me just because you disagree.
I have to say I’m very disappointed that you stooped to that level.
Shame on you!
On your surmise, The Office may be the #2 comedy (is that even true of is that yet another numbers spin), but that really doesn’t mean much does it? Only one comedy really belongs on the schedule based on its ratings, and it’s the always clever and funny Two and a Half Men.
The Office is to my eye, an affront to good film making and I find it completely unfunny. NBC is still trying to save it in spite of its pitiful ratings by constantly re-launching it (Fox is doing the same thing with Family Guy).
NBC would be doing much better if it tried to have well-made shows on its schedule rather than unwatchable shaky-cam fests like The Office and Friday Night Lights.
Instead of making better shows that are actually funny
Rob, We're pretty hands off when it comes to any discussion concerning the topics of the blog, but it's not appropriate to personalize attacks towards other commenters.
We're fine with disagreements about ideas, but let's keep all the discussion about those ideas and not about other commenters.
I agree with Bill generally, but Rena if you truly viewed what Rob wrote as an “attack” versus a legitimate line of questioning based on your frequent comments, you're probably better off not posting publicly on the site.
I'm fine with every comment in this thread, including all those from Rena and Rob.
Rena, you're not a moron. You think and write well. But, then again, Rob never called you a moron. You just didn't like him taking you to task for seemingly liking no shows! As a result, we now know you like Two and a Half Men…it's a good piece of data.
Rob, We’re pretty hands off when it comes to any discussion concerning the topics of the blog, but it’s not appropriate to personalize attacks towards other commenters.
We’re fine with disagreements about ideas, but let’s keep all the discussion about those ideas and not about other commenters.
I agree with Bill generally, but Rena if you truly viewed what Rob wrote as an “attack” versus a legitimate line of questioning based on your frequent comments, you’re probably better off not posting publicly on the site.
I’m fine with every comment in this thread, including all those from Rena and Rob.
Rena, you’re not a moron. You think and write well. But, then again, Rob never called you a moron. You just didn’t like him taking you to task for seemingly liking no shows! As a result, we now know you like Two and a Half Men…it’s a good piece of data.
I was not used to being attacked by people on this site. If this is the way you want it, then I'll steel myself against these.
However, Robert, I am more than disappointed by your comment.
Essentially, you said it's OK to insult people and try to bully them as long as you don't do it directly.
Well, lesson learned. I will now respond in kind if I am attacked.
Frankly, I think it will make for a very unpleasant site, but I'm not about to let irresponsible people like Rob walk all over me and attack me without responding in kind.
Maybe I misread what you wrote, but to me the message was clear that personal attacks, while not encouraged, will be tolerated.
Am I wrong?
My message to you is this: it wasn't a personal attack. If you view it as such and are offended by it, you shouldn't post here. Thanks.
It's very disheartening and disappointing to read, Robert.
Like I said. I'll respond in kind in the future now that I know it's OK with you.
You already respond in kind, Rena. You just don't seem to want to admit that.
Consider me equally disappointed!
I was not used to being attacked by people on this site. If this is the way you want it, then I’ll steel myself against these.
However, Robert, I am more than disappointed by your comment.
Essentially, you said it’s OK to insult people and try to bully them as long as you don’t do it directly.
Well, lesson learned. I will now respond in kind if I am attacked.
Frankly, I think it will make for a very unpleasant site, but I’m not about to let irresponsible people like Rob walk all over me and attack me without responding in kind.
Maybe I misread what you wrote, but to me the message was clear that personal attacks, while not encouraged, will be tolerated.
Am I wrong?
My message to you is this: it wasn’t a personal attack. If you view it as such and are offended by it, you shouldn’t post here. Thanks.
It’s very disheartening and disappointing to read, Robert.
Like I said. I’ll respond in kind in the future now that I know it’s OK with you.
You already respond in kind, Rena. You just don’t seem to want to admit that.
Consider me equally disappointed!
I think I was too rude, and I apologize. We dont have to like the same shows. I come to the site to root for the shows I like to do well in the ratings so they will stay on the air. It's as simple as that. I'm glad to know there are shows you like as well, like “Two and a Half Men.” It doesn't happen to be a show I watch, but that's OK. I have noticed how well it is doing, even in reruns, against new competition. It truly has some loyal fans like yourself.
I think I was too rude, and I apologize. We dont have to like the same shows. I come to the site to root for the shows I like to do well in the ratings so they will stay on the air. It’s as simple as that. I’m glad to know there are shows you like as well, like “Two and a Half Men.” It doesn’t happen to be a show I watch, but that’s OK. I have noticed how well it is doing, even in reruns, against new competition. It truly has some loyal fans like yourself.
Rob, thank you for that.
Robert
Rob, thank you for that.
Robert