American Idol lorded over everything as is typical, but Grey’s Anatomy led the pack of scripted shows among adults 18-49. A bit of scripted domination with scripted shows taking fifteen out of the twenty top spots. In the battle between the J.J. Abrams Lost and the J.J. Abrams Fringe, Lost came out a couple of spots ahead among 18-49 year olds. And though CBS may skew old, it had the most show in the 18-49 top twenty with nine. FOX and ABC had four each. NBC had three, and none were in the top ten.
In overall viewing, NCIS was the top scripted show and the fourth most watched show overall behind American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. But while NCIS was fourth overall, it was only 19th among 18-49 year olds. I’m enjoying catching up on old episodes on USA Network though.
Michael J. Fox’s return to broadcast in a special on the powers of optimism landed in the top 20 most-watched shows overall at exactly number 20. It did not place in the top 25 among adults 18-49.
Nielsen Top Twenty Shows Among 18-49 year olds for the week ending May 10, 2009:
| Rank | Shows | R=Repeat S=Special P=Premiere | Net | 18-49 Rating | 18-49 Viewers (000) |
| 1 | AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY | FOX | 8.3 | 10,967 | |
| 2 | AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY | FOX | 8.3 | 10,967 | |
| 3 | GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM | ABC | 5.4 | 7,087 | |
| 4 | TWO AND A HALF MEN | CBS | 5.0 | 6,553 | |
| 5 | DANCING WITH THE STARS | ABC | 4.8 | 6,394 | |
| 6 | HOUSE | FOX | 4.6 | 6,019 | |
| 7 | DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES | ABC | 4.1 | 5,469 | |
| 8 | RULES OF ENGAGEMENT | CBS | 4.1 | 5,464 | |
| 9 | CSI: MIAMI | CBS | 4.0 | 5,287 | |
| 10 | LOST | ABC | 4.0 | 5,280 | |
| 11 | OFFICE | NBC | 3.9 | 5,184 | |
| 12 | FRINGE | FOX | 3.8 | 5,075 | |
| 13 | SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS | CBS | 3.8 | 5,064 | |
| 14 | LAW AND ORDER:SVU | NBC | 3.7 | 4,842 | |
| 15 | MENTALIST, THE | CBS | 3.6 | 4,786 | |
| 16 | BIGGEST LOSER 7 | NBC | 3.6 | 4,743 | |
| 17 | HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER | CBS | 3.6 | 4,742 | |
| 18 | CSI | CBS | 3.6 | 4,724 | |
| 19 | NCIS | CBS | 3.4 | 4,546 | |
| 20 | BIG BANG THEORY, THE | CBS | 3.4 | 4,483 |
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Nielsen Top Twenty Shows (total viewing) for the week ending May 10, 2009:
| Rank | Shows | R=Repeat S=Special P=Premiere | Net | # Viewers (LIVE+SD) (000) | HH RATING (LIVE+SD) | HH SHARE (LIVE+SD) |
| 1 | AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY | FOX | 23,574 | 13.7 | 21 | |
| 2 | AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY | FOX | 23,414 | 13.4 | 21 | |
| 3 | DANCING WITH THE STARS | ABC | 20,278 | 12.6 | 19 | |
| 4 | NCIS | CBS | 16,723 | 10.4 | 17 | |
| 5 | MENTALIST, THE | CBS | 16,678 | 10.4 | 16 | |
| 6 | GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM | ABC | 15,546 | 10.3 | 16 | |
| 7 | CSI | CBS | 14,912 | 9.2 | 15 | |
| 8 | DANCING W/STARS RESULTS | ABC | 14,556 | 9.4 | 14 | |
| 9 | TWO AND A HALF MEN | CBS | 14,169 | 8.6 | 13 | |
| 10 | CRIMINAL MINDS | CBS | 14,128 | 8.9 | 14 | |
| 11 | CSI: MIAMI | CBS | 13,718 | 8.7 | 14 | |
| 12 | CSI: NY | CBS | 13,397 | 8.5 | 14 | |
| 13 | DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES | ABC | 12,293 | 7.7 | 12 | |
| 14 | HOUSE | FOX | 12,047 | 7.1 | 11 | |
| 15 | SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS | CBS | 11,993 | 7.0 | 12 | |
| 16 | COLD CASE | CBS | 11,838 | 7.2 | 12 | |
| 17 | WITHOUT A TRACE | CBS | 11,831 | 7.7 | 13 | |
| 18 | RULES OF ENGAGEMENT | CBS | 11,328 | 6.9 | 10 | |
| 19 | AMAZING RACE 14 | CBS | 10,490 | 5.9 | 10 | |
| 20 | MICHAEL J FOX SP-5/7(S) | S | ABC | 10,230 | 6.8 | 12 |
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Nielsen TV Ratings Data: ©2009 The Nielsen Company. All Rights Reserved.
All numbers are Live + SD (live, plus same day DVR viewing)
OK but how long has Grey’s and Lost been going for? Fringe’s first season finale is tonight and I’m sure Fringe will, and can, only improve in the ratings next year.
What I found interesting about the above numbers is that Fringe was higher than The Mentalist.
epic fail NBC.
I’m happy–and somewhat surprised–that a show as brilliant and gloriously complex as LOST is being well-recieved. I honestly didn’t think there was enough patience left in this A.D.D-addled society to appreciate it. It gives me a measure of hope.
Despite what the retentionistas might say, Fringe is doing good. Good enough in fact, that Fox has ordered a 2nd season.
The news is that Fringe is still beating The Mentalist in the 18-49 demo. Anyway, here is an interesting observation.
Apparently, it is now official: Fringe is a much better show than Dollhouse. Before you tear me apart, here’s why I think Fringe is better. The reason is because the mission on Fringe is more clearly defined on Fringe than Dollhouse. For example, on Dollhouse you don’t really have a side top root for. How can you really root for each character if you’re not emotionally invested in that personality? Secondly, Dollhouse is harder to sustain as a premise because there’s no real mythology to connect the stories. Or if there is one, it’s just the organization Dollhouse and isn’t as interesting as say, parallel universe on Fringe. You see, on Fringe the audience knows where this is all heading because the show has an established mythology, a war between parallel universes. Also, We know more about the characters in Fringe than in Dollhouse and as result, the audience cares about them more. For example, we know Olivia’s past with Cortexiphan and her past drug trials. Whereas, in Dollhouse we didn’t learn that much about Caroline or the others. Fringe’s stand alone episodes, however bad they compared to the mythology episodes are much more creepier than the stand alones of Dollhouse. I’m sorry, but I just think that Dollhouse’s stand alones are too much like Ghost Whisperer which is a bad show. We also know a lot about Walter’s past including his involvement with William Bell. That’s more than we know about topher, the eccentric for Dollhouse. And yes, I did change my name.
However, Fringe does to get more media coverage from what I’ve seen than a lot of CBS shows including The Mentalist. Why is that? The JJ Abrams factor. However, I will admit that House, Grey’s Anatomy and Chuck do get more coverage. CBS shows do lousy in the 18-49 demo. That’s probably why shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Chuck, House and Fringe get more coverage because prestige and 18-49 rating factor.
Haha, god NBC is bad….
GE needs to fire everybody at NBC especially Jeff Zucker and Ben Silverman
Fringefan, why did you feel the need to come on here and suddenly start up with the Fringe vs. Dollhouse thing? Are you needing to make yourself feel better about Fringe for some reason?
BTW, you sound exactly like another user known as ThePattern.
Continued: Is that what you meant about you having changed your name? You were previously known as ThePattern?
I watched that Michael J Fox special and it was SO BORING. It amazes me that it actually made the top 20. Then again , if it gets his message across, than I am happy that so many people watched.
I just decided to post why I like Fringe and yep I was ThePattern.
Well, not to contribute to the “Fringe is better than Dollhouse” flame war – well, yeah, I am…
Actually Dollhouse has a mythology, it just never got a chance to dig deep into it yet. Presumably Whedon intended to do that in the season 2 he’ll never get. There are more than one Dollhouse and the corporation behind it apparently are engaged in a Big Conspiracy to do a Bad Thing. But it was Fox who suggested that to Whedon – apparently his original concept was more limited.
So in that sense, Fringe is better than Dollhouse since it’s concept is significantly broader than Dollhouse’ original concept. But both had a lot of potential.
Abrams has said there will be a huge change in Fringe in season 2. That worries me. Making huge changes in a show in season 2 frequently leads to disaster, as TSCC demonstrated. Supposedly we’ll see a hint tonight at what season 2 of Fringe will look like, with reveals about Peter, Walter and William Bell.
I know, but look at X Files and Big Love. In the case of each show, the series got only better after each season. Although, once Duchovny left, that left a huge hole in the X Files universe.
My point is each one of those shows improved greatly after the 1st season.
OK but how long has Grey’s and Lost been going for? Fringe’s first season finale is tonight and I’m sure Fringe will, and can, only improve in the ratings next year.
Im completely astounded by that comment, Im not here to bash shows, but do you really think the ratings will ‘improve’ next year? If it doesnt air behind Idol, I dont expect an upward trend in ratings, heck even if it airs out of Idol or House, I dont think it will grow. Fringe supporters really need to get over themselves, the show has a cult following, thats it.
Shows typically erode as they get older not build, unless they are given lead in support.
That’s true and I’m fine with that. Look at Alias and X Files. Both lasted several seasons with a cult feeling. Besides, cult shows tend to get a lot of press attention and attention at places like Comic-con.
Excuse me, cult following. Sorry about that, lol!
Besides, all Fox cares about is the 18-49 demo.
BREAKING NEWS: End of show. is reporting that Fox picked up the Mark Valley pilot Human Target and is considering pairing it with Dollhouse. Why Fox would consider a 2nd season of Dollhouse is beyond me at this point.
http://www.endofshow.com/2009/05/12/exclusive-fox-picks-up-human-target-considering-dollhouse-pairing/
“EXCLUSIVE: FOX picks up “Human Target”, considering Dollhouse pairing
FOX have officially picked up “Human Target”, a pilot starring Mark Valley (Fringe), to series. The drama revolves around mysterious freelancer Christopher Chance, who takes on a different identity each week to help those in need.
The big action drama has tested extremely well, and is liked by incoming executive Peter Rice. We have heard FOX are considering pairing it with “Dollhouse”, or bringing in one of their other pilots for a back to back pairing in the Fall.”
Rich, as long as Fringe has a six to ten million viewer “cult following” – and does well in the demo – it will remain on the air. That’s all that matters.
My only concern is that the show gets crazy next season and drops to three or four million viewers with a 2.0-2.5 demo. So far I trust Abrams not to screw up – but then I trusted Friedman not to screw up and was sorely disappointed.
I think Human Target will be paired with another pilot, rather than Dollhouse.
I will make an effort to see this show. I saw the original version years ago and liked it, and I’ve always been intrigued by the concept and the original comic, although I didn’t read the comic that much.
RSH, networks rarely pair two new shows together. They try to pair them with established/successful shows.
I’m thinking Human target gets paired with Fringe as one of Fringe’s main actors is the lead in the show.
That’s great news. I hope eveyone on FRINGE gets new jobs.
FYI, Nikki Finke is reporting Lie to Me was renewed:
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/primetime-pilot-panic-sons-of-tucson-ordered-lie-to-me-renewed-limelight-dead/
Jon K that it seems extremely unlikely that FOX would pair two new shows together. But picking up Human Target and pairing it with Dollhouse on Friday also seems unlikely to me. I can’t wait for the next week or so to be over and done with
How do you get those smiley faces?
type : ) but without the space in between
Anyone know where Dollhouse ranks?
At the bottom. OK, not the very bottom, it did beat Prison Break and several CW shows, Sit Down Shut Up, and the Saturday repeats.
Kyle, in the second table, average viewership, Dollhouse was #101 for the week. I didn’t grab this week’s 18-49 list yet, but my guess is that its ranking is similar.
While you wouldn’t pair a new show with a new show normally, you also don’t pair it with a loser. I’d rather risk two new shows that impressed me than a new show with a loser.
The article quoted above says Human Target tested well and is liked by the incoming exec, so I’d say he’s more likely to pair it with something else he likes than Dollhouse. The article also says they are considering pairing it with another pilot.
Seems pretty clear to me the odds favor the new pilot approach – IF they have something else they really like. Clearly they’re not that crazy about Dollhouse at this point.
How many shows are on the list?
Holly, there were 224 shows on the overall viewing broadcast list, and Dollhouse was 101 on that list. However, that list contains several Spanish language networks as well as MNT and ION. I just eyeballed it but it looked like around 20 Univision airings beat it, as well as its time slot competition on MNT (Friday Night Smackdown!)
It’s so nice to not see Family Guy on the list…
Amazing how NCIS has seemingly “sneaked” up on everyone. It has grown through the years in both ratings and content rather than starting strong and fading. I suspect the USA ratings are due to the new viewers catching up on the earlier shows. Quite a story.
It is also actually a GOOD show, and doing well IMO with developing a few ongoing story arcs without making you feel you are completely lost if you miss a week.
They have also managed a couple of key character changes well…better than CSI.
I wonder what shocking salary offer they will deliver to William Peterson in a year if CSI slides permanently behind NCIS, The Mentalist and maybe a couple of other shows INCLUDING CSI Miami? Or will they just let it wind down naturally?
Does anyone know the entire 2009-2010 season rating averages for CSI and Grey’s Anatomy? I would like to know how close the ratings were between the two shows.
Oops…meant 2008-2009
RLH, you can see the 18-49 averages for all broadcast shows in our Renew/Cancel Index posts, click the link in the white nav bar above.
Just a thought:
I have noticed that Dancing With the Stars is the biggest show ABC has lately. And every other show seems to be sinking. So I’m thinking that instead of putting pilots after pilots that WILL get canceled after DWTS. Why not just put sinking veteran shows after it so DWTS can revive the show’s waning popularity. I’m sure Ugly Betty wouldn’t mind being moved to Mondays at 9 and DWTS at 8PM so that Betty can get a BOOST? Even better, why not put LOST after DWTS? I’ve noticed its ratings decline to a low 6-7 mill area and I think giving it a new timeslot after DWTS will save it. The problem is that testing pilots after hit shows is a waste of time. If the boat is sinking what will you save? You should save the ones that you started with and are the oldest. Not “fresh” new stuff like Suburbia? WTF? Put a great show after a great show. Not mediocre ones that you “hope” will stick. Because in truth, veteran shows have better writing, acting, and overall everything. So ABC, why not give your shows UGLY BETTY, LOST, maybe Grey’s Anatomy a new chance at life and put them after DWTS. Because god knows we don’t need another SVU knockoff or worse yet another Bob Saget show.
Hey Dave (Post #1)… your theory is that Fringe will increase in ratings, and that’s why Lost is beating Fringe in the ratings.
Lost’s first season was ridiculously high in the ratings, time has only stripped viewers away… procedurals do that!
Imagine someone trying to jump into Lost now? It’d be impossible… same with Fringe methinks… thanks for coming out though!
“epic fail NBC.”
Epic Fail America is more like. Sounds like a good book…