Image Credit: ABC
The Wednesday night ratings game gave predictable numbers last night: Most shows were steady or down slightly as they settled into their fall grooves.
Fox led the night overall with a 90-minute The X Factor (11.5 million, 3.9 adult demo rating), which topped 8 p.m. The reality show launched its boot camp phase and its final rating will likely match last week’s number in the afternoon nationals. Factor was followed by a special Raising Hope (6.2 million, 2.3).
In second place, CBS’ Survivor (10.5 million, 3.1) was about on par, followed by Criminal Minds (13.3 million, 3.8) bucking the trend of the night by climbing 6 percent and ranking as the evening’s most-watched show. CSI (11.8 million, 2.9) declined by the same percentage, yet won 10 p.m.
ABC’s comedy block started steady with The Middle (9 million, 2.7), then the second episode of Suburgatory (9.1 million, 3.0) was down a reasonable 9 percent from its stronger-than-expected premiere last week. Modern Family (13.1 million, 5.6) continues to be an amazing half-hour ratings peak, easily the night’s top-rated show. Happy Endings (6.9 million, 2.9) was off a mere 6 percent from its return last week.
At 10 p.m., ABC newcomer drama Revenge (7.7 million, 2.5) seemingly still hasn’t found its bottom, down 7 percent — this show started promisingly enough, but we’re hoping the brakes get put on soon and the show settles while its numbers are still solid.
NBC got an inkling of good news thanks to new comedy Up All Night (5.7 million, 2.2), which climbed a 10th of a rating point after the show was picked up for a full season this week. But struggling newcomer Free Agents (3.3 million, 1.0) did not grow from its poor rating and ranked as the lowest-rated show on a major broadcaster (Will Death Watch 2011 be updated today? Perhaps… ). Harry’s Law (8.2 million, 1.2) and Law & Order: SVU (7.9 million, 2.1) were steady.
Read more:
‘The X Factor’ recap: Moot Camp
‘Revenge’ recap: Senatorial Shenanigans
‘Survivor’ recap: The Weighting Game
Free Agents is toast.
I blame the way they count rating points. “Old” people watch Harry’s Law so even though it has a lot of viewers its rating is only 1.2.
I’m only sixteen and a huge fan, so not only old people like it. Just pointing out
I’m 32 & have loved ‘Harry’s Law’ from the start. Considering how last night ended I think Jean Smart’s next move should be ‘Community’! She could be a female version of Jeff or Pierce. Shirley could work on ‘saving’ her.
What about H8R and Top Model? I guess they are below 2 millions viewers and don’t need a mention?
Nobody cares.
LMFAO @NBC
I pray REVENGE finds solid footing. It is a very entertaining hour. NBC will struggle to rebuild after a near decade of boneheaded programming decisions, and some quality programs will fail because of that. How after years of critical and ratings favor could you blow away all your good fortune?
Revenge is the most interesting hour-long show this season, I think. But I’m a week behind, so I’m catching it on hulu.
I enjoyed the premiere, but I’ve found it less and less compelling each week. I already wish it would break free of the theme in its title.
Free Agents is OK and has potential. it’s better than just about all of the other new comedies. It probably should have been sold to a cable net though- I think it’s too adult for the big 4.
I feel that shows picked up by NBC will continue to fail because viewers don’t trust them to give the show a full season so they don’t even bother watching it to start.
THIS. I’m sure creators dread hearinf the words “NBC wants to option your pilot” because it’s basically a do-or-die statement. You either have to deliver blockbuster ratings right out of the gate, or they’ll cancel you after 3 episodes. Was The Playboy Club the best new show out there? No, but neither was the first half of Season 1 of Cougar Town and yet ABC gave it enough credit to see how it was gonna play out and now it’s one of my favorite shows on tv right now. (I HATE that I’m having to wait until mid-season for it’s return!!) I think you need to have shows at least get the POTENTIAL of developing a following before axing it so prematurely.
I am thrilled that The X Factor is not a big hit! I am hoping that the glut of talent shows on TV soon goes away. They are cheezey and manipulative.
Was Raising Hope new last night?
I believe it was. haven’t watched it yet, but my DVR is set to record only new episodes, and the synopsis doesn’t sound at all familiar…
I HAVE ALREADY SAID IT, BUT I WILL SAY IT AGAIN…CANCEL NBC!!!!
Since NBC owns USA, they should just:
A: Steal USA’s shows and air them
B: ??
C: Profit!
Also, they should keep Parks and Recreation because that show is great.
I am baffled by the success of MODERN FAMILY. I have watched it several times but it’s just not funny. Funniest show on TV is STILL PSYCH! My sides hurt from that one.
Personally, I’m baffled by the fans love of Psych…
Where is the Modern Family recap?
Love Revenge! I guess its doing well for the 10pm Abc death slot. People need to tune in.
There are a dozen shows with more genuine laughs than ‘Modern Family’, and not all of them are comedies.
X Factor is still staying strong in the 11 to 12 million viewer range. It didn’t drop as much in its viewership.
Modern fam, yeah not that funny. The only scene I laughed at was when the fat gay guy kept screaming “STELLA” to find the missing dog. Sophia Vergara also tries too hard with her accent.