Three weeks into the new television season, very little is set in stone, though one trend seems solid: everyone feels the burn. Numbers are down across the board, as every network is largely seeing falters from most of its lineup.
ABC was dead last several years ago, but has emerged as a consistent leader in the main demographics (adults 18-49), if not total viewers. They can boast having the number one new show so far, “Private Practice,” which has won its timeslot two weeks running in total viewers, and emerging as one of the top shows on television in the demographic.
Further bolstering their Wednesday lineup, “Pushing Daisies” is strong in total viewers and the main demos.
However, ABC is seeing problems with returning shows. Two of the networks main hits, “Dancing with the Stars” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are losing steam this season. “Dancing” remains a powerful competitor in total viewers each airing, ranking as a top show each week.
However, the reality competition is soundly beaten each airing in the demo. “Grey’s” is seeing a very different problem. The show remains the top show on Thursday’s in the demographic, but it’s bleeding viewers. The last new episode was the least watched in two years.
NBC’s fortunes are starting to turn around this year. After decades as the network powerhouse, the net ranked fourth last year total viewers and demographics. “Heroes” was the nets only saving grace. This year, that show is bleeding viewers also, reaching a series low in total viewers. However, the show still leads Monday nights in the demographic.
The network is also seeing healthy, averages with new shows. “Bionic Woman” is showing fight in both total viewers and the demo. Its Monday lineup of “Chuck” and “Journeyman” are faring OK, drawing consistent viewers and demos, faltering this week. “Life” premiered out the gate as a strong Wednesday night competitor, demolishing in the demo. After cooling off, the show is still holding steady. The net also has things to cheer about as critical-favorites “30 Rock” and “Firday Night Lights” both premiered to strong ratings in total viewers and demographics.
CBS holds steady. The only new shows, “Kid Nation” and “Cane” both seem to be fading. With CBS’s quick trigger button, both seem doomed. On the bright side, “CSI” seems to be winning its timeslot, pounding “Grey’s” in total viewers.
Lastly, Fox and the CW really have little to show. New shows on both stations seemed doomed, as neither seem to be making a splash. “Reaper” on the CW seems to have wavering ratings, while “Gossip Girl” shows meek returns but is tearing up the iTunes charts. “K-Ville” on Fox seems doomed.
Only one show (at press time) has received a season pickup. That honor goes to the CW show “Gossip Girl.” However, pickups should start going out in the next week. Only one show has been cancelled, Fox’s “Nashville.” However, look for “Cane” (CBS), “Life is Wild” (CW), “K-Ville” (Fox), “Dirty Sexy Money” (ABC), to enter the land of cancelled in the next few weeks.
