Image Credit: CW
Four scripted fan favorites returned Friday night, but the real ratings surprise was from a reality show.
The first of the final five episodes of The CW’s Smallville delivered 2.3 million viewers and a 1.0 preliminary adults 18-49 rating — that’s up 11 percent from the show’s last episode back in early March. Supernatural (2.2 million, 0.9) was also back, yet dipped slightly from its last airing.
NBC rolled out the fifth season debut of Friday Night Lights (5.4 million, 0.9), and its low number tied CBS’ Chaos (5.5 million, 0.9) for last place at 8 p.m.
Fox’s Fringe (3.6 million, 1.3) is also back, and with Leonard Nimoy returning as guest star. Like Smallville, the show climbed a notch from its last original airing, but didn’t signal any profound ratings surge.
And then there’s ABC’s Shark Tank (5.4 million, 1.5). Love this show, but had nearly written off its chances for a third season given its modest performance in recent weeks. Probably because NBC switched from unscripted Who Do You Think You Are to FNL in the same hour, Tank jumped 25 percent from its usual 1.2 rating to tie 20/20 as the night’s top-rated show.
I think it has to do with NBC not airing reality at 8, since FNL came back, so Shark Tank now only has one reality show to contend with. I have been maintainng it would do so much better at 9. Glad it was up
Shark Tank is very closely based on the Canadian TV series Dragon’s Den. Even has two of the same two investors: Robert Herjavec & Mr. Nasty himself, Kevin O’Leary.
It was a slow grower here but now it’s a top ten program.
Of course, the series originated in Japan.
I love Shark Tank, I’m glad that it’s ratings are doing a little better. I hope it stays on the air for years to come.
I agree 1000%. Shark Tank is the only reality show that I know of that is compelling and an absolute joy to watch. It makes capitalism fun. lol
Still think Shark Tank should have gone Tue at 8, and jamie Oliver to Friday
Remember how not too long ago, we were all biting our nails about Fringe? Now it’s like, Eh, whatever. Fourth season get.
I can’t figure out why FNL does so poorly. I know when I sat down to watch one of my kids said ” I thought this show was over”. A lot of people may have already seen the season on Direct tv. Whatever the reason it is too bad great show.
I love Shark Tank. It is just so fascinating Love all the Sharks. Unlike a lot of reality show judges – they really know what they are talking about.
I think the rabid fans may have bought the DVD set that came out on April 5th. I personally watched it all on Netflix, one right after the other. For this last season I plan on drawing it out as long as possible and watching it every week on NBC.
Gotta admit…I love this show. The sharks are entertaining and it feels more real than most reality shows. Just started watching this show, but I hope I can see it next season too!
With FNL, maybe the fact that they already released the final season on DVD, which I could see taking away from viewers numbers
smallville awesome
I love Shark Tank
Love Shark Tank and the original on CBC, Dragon’s Den! Love Kevin and Robert, they make the show.
Chaos is lame and should not have made it on the air. My opinion only. Great cast – weak stories.
Shark Tank is a great show. Very smart.
I agree that FNL’s ratings may have been hurt by the DVD coming out it advance of its NBC premiere. No matter how many times I read postings on how the ratings work I still have to admit I still don’t understand it. While I am not a Nielsen family, I had the NBC premiere of FNL written on the calendar but didn’t watch because I pre-ordered the season and watched it immediately!
I love Shark Tank!! It’s hilarious and interesting – people are missing out I tell ya!!
If you enjoy reality television, you are an idiot.
Smallville & Supernatural were good.
love the shark tank, great tv,keep it on