Comments on: TV Ratings: Modern Family, Cougar Town, Glee, Eastwick & everything else down

By: Debbie Puckett

Debbie Puckett — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:31:51 +0000

I can not believe you people are cancelling Eastwick! The show is great!!!! Everyone at work are really disappointed that this show is being taken off the air!! We take a break so we can watch and I always have my dvr on at home to tape the series! I have only been watching abc channels this season and it is mainly because of shows like Eastwick, Cougartown, Flash Forward and Greys Anatomy and Private Practice. Please reconsider this decision and maybe take it to another night or time slot. The nursing staff would greatly appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: forg

forg — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:25:07 +0000

FINAL ratings from Travis Yanan. Yay Modern Family is up to 2.5, maybe this will be the rating( or maybe a little higher to at least 2.8) MF will get when it faces AI hour 2 next year

Modern Family (R, 8pm)
- 5.507 million viewers
- 3.4/5 HH
- 1.5/5 A18-49

The Middle
- 5.940 million viewers
- 3.5/6 HH
- 1.7/6 A18-49

Modern Family (9pm)
- 7.148 million viewers
- 4.1/7 HH
- 2.5/7 A18-49

Cougar Town (31 minutes)
- 5.539 million viewers
- 3.3/6 HH
- 1.9/6 A18-49

Eastwick (59 minutes)
- 3.600 million viewers
- 2.4/4 HH
- 1.1/3 A18-49

Old Christine
- 6.863 million viewers
- 4.2/8 HH
- 1.7/6 A18-49

Gary Unmarried
- 6.678 million viewers
- 4.0/7 HH
- 1.8/6 A18-49

Criminal Minds (61 minutes)
- 13.605 million viewers
- 8.2/14 HH
- 3.2/9 A18-49

CSI: NY (59 minutes)
- 12.681 million viewers
- 7.9/15 HH
- 2.8/9 A18-49

The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now? (121 minutes)
- 7.623 million viewers
- 4.5/8 HH
- 2.7/8 A18-49

The Jay Leno Show (59 minutes)
- 5.094 million viewers
- 3.2/6 HH
- 1.6/5 A18-49

So You Think You Can Dance
- 4.894 million viewers
- 3.0/5 HH
- 1.6/5 A18-49
- 1.4/6 A18-34
- 2.0/7 W18-34

Glee
- 6.169 million viewers
- 3.6/6 HH
- 2.5/7 A18-49
- 2.5/9 A18-34
- 3.5/11 W18-34

Gracie (120 minutes)
- 1.343 million viewers
- 0.8/1 HH
- 0.4/1 A18-49
- 0.4/2 A18-34
- 0.5/2 W18-34

By: Glee Nielsen Ratings, Season 1 :

Glee Nielsen Ratings, Season 1 : — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:44:00 +0000

[...] Nov. 25, 2009: “Hairography” (-) Overnight ratings (9-9:30): 6.08 million viewers, 2.5/7 rating/share 18-49 Placement: 3rd place, behind The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now? (NBC) in rating/share 18-49 Overnight ratings (9:30-10): 6.13 million viewers, 2.5/7 rating/share 18-49 Placement: 3rd place, behind The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now? (NBC) in rating/share 18-49 Source: TVByTheNumbers [...]

By: Survivor fan

Survivor fan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:09:50 +0000

Survivor has moved away from recapping during it’s “recap” clip show to make it almost entirely new footage. I’m just hoping to get people moving away from using language that would discourage tuning in, and “clip show recap” could do just that.

By: ohiogirl

ohiogirl — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:48:38 +0000

BL was interesting Wed. nite, but probably ran into the same issues Dancing With The Stars faced… Too much show. Capitalizing on the show to close out Nov. sweeps, I understand the all-evening time slot, but it was a little long. I imagine most viewers had it on as they went abut their Thanksgiving chores, which turned out to be a good plan for ratings, but let’s not water down the show too often, O.K. NBC? Thankgiving shows us that people tend to pull away from the table if you give them too much of even a good thing.

By: ohiogirl

ohiogirl — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:41:37 +0000

Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, 3&1/2Men, and Will and Grace were all slow to pick up ratings, but did so and became hits. The Middle should also pick up the ratings if they can keep up the writing and not permit the show to get too far fetched.It’s strong point is it’s dry humor, rather than the slapstick, but this show definitely has both, which may account for the strong mixed reviews. It’s a great satire. I would rerun an episode every nite for a week to expose it to the viewers, advertising it’s regular slot with each episode. If viewers see it, they will follow.

By: tvmegafan

tvmegafan — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:01:54 +0000

Everyone was outta town, for thanksgiving people relax, they all be back up tomorrow

By: jay

jay — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:31:45 +0000

I think Ray’s question brings up an interesting point in favor of the current broadcast/cable paradigm lasting a good decade more ( even though some of the reports on the technology available = empirical experience of new crazes for products starting up and spreading like hotcakes). Proponents of the current system can always say, TV viewing goes up slightly every year. Cable and possibly the VCR have been responsible for making TV more relevant to a fragmnented audeience which has developed a taste for variety, shock, etc, just like with an new public art form. So why gamble on something where you can’t reliably ” monetize eyeballs … eyeballs … eteballs.”

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:29:55 +0000

I guess they won’t really be doing anything new next year Thanksgiving week because those numbers are an abomination. And all of them are such awesome shows…

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:29:23 +0000

Quoting Robert:

“It’s a reasonable thing to think. But sometimes you have to remember that TV is an advertising business, and despite lower viewing, advertisers are really, really interested in advertising ahead of the “Black Friday” sales.”

I wasn’t quite sure if you were trying to make the argument for or against putting fresh eps on Wed or Thanksgiving, but here are the historical reasons why the Nets put things on each of these days:

Wed before Thanksgiving

This typically ends up being the last day of the Nov sweep, so the nets are still inclined to give a boost to their owned and affiliated stations on this day, even with the softer numbers. Plus, simple competitiveness kicks in and the nets will sometimes make last-second changes just to say they won a sweep.

Thanksgiving

This one depends…if it falls out of sweep, like this year, then simple supply-and-demand kicks in: it almost doesn’t matter what’s on in Prime, the demand will be so overwhelming for Black Friday advertising that whatever’s running will be worth a princely sum. I would suspect this has gotten more competitive with two key football games (one NFL, one TX/TX A&M college) in the mix as of late, not to mention the endless marathons on cable.

If Thanksgiving falls IN sweep, which does tend to happen every few years or so, then the nets with the strongest competitive position (NBC in the 90′s, CBS in early 00′s, ABC lately) tend to keep fresh programs on to please their stations. The nets that are not so competitive can go either way, either fresh or repeats. The nets do have option of “re-titling” episodes that run on Thanksgiving so that they don’t harm the season-long average, and they typically do.

Sorry for the long explanation, but hopefully that helps everyone as they try to figure out what’s going on over the holiday!

By: Sandro

Sandro — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:21:30 +0000

Modern Family was amazing

By: J.R. Herbaugh

J.R. Herbaugh — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:47:21 +0000

Thanks, Robert. Later I found NBC put the dog show up without commentary on msnbc. I just expected hulu to have it, since it was a taped show and hulu still posted some videos yesterday, but a second press release didn't mention online video at all.

By: Igor

Igor — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:40:50 +0000

Hey, what happend with the sindication ratings, why aren’t they up yet the last post is from 18 this mount?

By: aznfratboy

aznfratboy — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:33:38 +0000

Holywtflyingphcuk! What is with the ratings? Why didn’t all the channels just air a bunch of reruns?

By: Patrice

Patrice — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:00:55 +0000

I didn’t watch any TV Wednesday and forgot to set my DVR so
I missed the Middle…ABC did not have it on their web site
to watch.
It taught me a lesson to set up my DVR to record all of the shows
since ABC doesn’t replay the Middle at least not last Wednesday.
I heard it was very funny but I guess I will have to wait till reuns.
As far as the already made Hank shows why not play them at late nite
when one doesn’t want to watch an info commerical.
If he toned down his character and added Shelly Long as his wife
I think the show could be saved but I am glad they took it off before
my favorite show The Middle its was hurting the Middle’s rating.

By: Ray

Ray — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:56:36 +0000

I’m in the business of understanding television viewing behavior, that’s why.

As you noted, my main experience is with Germany, and a lot of the effects and phenomena are the same for the US and Germany. But we don’t have quite the same broadcast/cable dualism here, so I have no good point of reference, and I’m trying to understand this particular thing in order to be able to better interpret American ratings data.

But as I said, maybe this post was not the ideal place to have this conversation because it’s not really just the night before Thanksgiving. It’s every Friday, every Saturday, and most of summer.

Anyway, thanks for bearing with me.

By: Robert Seidman

Robert Seidman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:22:30 +0000

Ray, I don’t find anything quite unique about what happens the night before Thanksgiving, but I am guessing you find it much more unique than I do because because you’re in Germany and I’m in the United States where Thanksgiving is a very big deal. In general, the data suggests that people who watch more TV watch more cable in all day parts, but I did mean primetime. Whether it’s compelling for you or not, people who watch more TV watch more cable. I can’t think of any compelling reason for anyone (let alone someone from Germany) to put much stock in what happens ratings-wise the night before Thanksgiving!

Parenthood, uh, you drank way too much eggnog spiked w/vodka or something. J.R. meant that the Dog Show wasn’t on Hulu yet (and it’s after 2pm) not that the Hulu wasn’t popular.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:02:36 +0000

JR Herbaugh, Hulu is definitely popular. Not as popular as youtube. But still.

By: Ray

Ray — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:51:35 +0000

Robert,

I do think dropping three share points week-to-week (as “Modern Family” did) is quite unique. However – me, I am really only tracking the new shows of the season, so it did strike me that all three dropped points week-to-week. But I agree that 26 vs 29 is not that huge a difference. Maybe we should continue this discussion on an entry for a Friday, where the difference is certainly more striking, and a 6 (or even 5) share seems to be acceptable for a network show.

People who watch a ton of TV watch more cable

Proportionally, in prime time, you mean, I think. Well, that’s kind of what I figured, but why I can’t think of a compelling reason why they should distribute their viewing minutes (as it were) differently from light viewers.

By: richard less

richard less — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:11:43 +0000

Megan Fox is overrated…

Leno beats Eastwick is the 2nd biggest heading out of this data.

By: J.R. Herbaugh

J.R. Herbaugh — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:10:19 +0000

In the press release about the dog show: The television broadcast will also be available online after 2 p.m. ET on Hulu.com, a popular online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips. It isn't.

By: daniel patrick

daniel patrick — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:42:17 +0000

watched the middle for the first time since the pilot, its a dumb show but it does have its moments, but whats with these numbers

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:34:50 +0000

I know this doesn’t count for squat on here, but I thought it was worth mentioning. If you go to Hulu, under the TV section, Glee, Modern Family, and Cougar Town are all in the popular episodes column.

By: Theoacme

Theoacme — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:52:04 +0000

And there were several promos on the Macy’s parade on NBC for…

…cue the Monty Python Chorus and Hoagie Shoppe…

…Chuck! Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!…

…and the promos did look fairly interesting – hopefully, someone who is a Nielsen family saw them as well, as I don’t count

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:51:52 +0000

D, if you hadn’t noticed, it’s Thanksgiving. Finals will probably be delayed until Monday. Just be happy there are prelims.

By: D

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:50:29 +0000

Hey uhh, where are the finals?

By: aaronhotchner

aaronhotchner — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:06:25 +0000

I think personal stories and touches are what make CM SO great. For me, this is what sets it apart from CSI. I feel much more personally connected to the CM characters and after last night they are gonna need eachother and I hope they let us see that going forward. And Thomas Gibson did a phenominal job. I never felt ‘he’s acting’ while watching it

By: aaronhotchner

aaronhotchner — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:04:11 +0000

CM was amazing last night.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:46:32 +0000

Mark D., the promo said that Parenthood will premiere in March.

By: Mark D.

Mark D. — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:39:20 +0000

Julia, I saw a promo for Supernatural and 90210. I’m sure I didnt change the channel.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:00:28 +0000

Here’s the new promo for Parenthood featuring Lauren Graham!

By: Mesha

Mesha — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:11:04 +0000

Criminal Minds 100th Episode was Outstanding Last night.

By: Darrin

Darrin — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:51:24 +0000

The Middle is the best family comedy on TV.

By: rob

rob — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:50:53 +0000

Mark, I watched the parade and saw no promos for CW. Parenthood will be on NBC in March.

By: InsulinJunkie

InsulinJunkie — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:50:27 +0000

It could have been a local spot, where the local CW affil bought the ad time from the local cable provider. I’ve seen spots like that occasionally.

By: forg

forg — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:49:04 +0000

Aww sad to several shows hit season/series lows, it will hurt their averages ABC and FOX should have a run a special or something

Amazing numbers for Criminal Minds and Biggest Loser

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:36:02 +0000

Mark, are you sure you hadn’t changed the channel during a commercial? I find it very hard to believe there were CW ads on NBC.

By: Mark D.

Mark D. — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:33:07 +0000

While watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade I saw promos for The CW shows and a promo for Parenthood.

I thought it was weird becuase NBC never plays promos for The CW’s shows. It was also weird because Parenthood doesn’t even have a premiere date yet.

By: moraliste

moraliste — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:22:16 +0000

CT and the Middle are about to meet in the middle. They’re both average comedies with slightly different philosophies – they ought to end up on the bubble with the same level of mediocrity versus cost that almost all the other sitcoms have. Even Modern family is a pastiche of other shows. All the foam is pretty much blown off the beer as far as ABC Wedensday night is concerned.

By: Kyle S.

Kyle S. — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:41:15 +0000

Just reminding everyone to watch Jay Leno tonight. The hottest woman in the world is going to be one of his guests. If some of you have no idea who I am talking about then you must have been living under a rock for the past three years. I’m talking about Megan Fox! Who else? Thank you in advance for checking her out tonight in all of her spectacularly beautiful glory.

By: j

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:03:36 +0000

Glee’s still way above Fringe on a regular day, and on par with the first half of Bones last week.

Overnight drops:
CSINY 11%
Criminal 15%
Glee 22%
So You Think & Gary Unmarried 24%
The Middle 25%
Modern Family 35%
Cougar Town 41%

I guess procedurals aren’t phased by anything. I think that Glee has the lowest drop outside of that shows how passionate its fans are.

By: USAmerica1st

USAmerica1st — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:51:17 +0000

Criminal Minds was mind-blowing, the ensemble cast was sterling, Great Ep. But please no more personal stories! That was heartbreaking.

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:18:50 +0000

And just when you thought Eastwick couldn’t drop any lower Thanksgiving comes along…

By: bob

bob — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:00:56 +0000

Nick, I don’t think Leno will get much of a boost just because he’s the only original programming. The Giants-Broncos game is on NFL Network so it will take some viewers. Also, a lot of people just don’t care about Leno.

By: tdot

tdot — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:24:12 +0000

The Biggest Loser did amazingly
NBC must be happy
I wonder what the cost/benefit is for The Biggest Loser
it must not be all that expensive to produce…2 hours a week, numerous product placements, spectacular ratings (by NBC standards), 1 host, 2 trainers, only $250000 cash prize at the end of the season, decent lead in for Leno

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:10:41 +0000

Last night was the final night of November sweeps so CBS would be interested in getting the ratings and that is why most shows were new.

A lot of those missing viewers were most likely in their cars last night or going to bed early for an early start. I bet a lot of people who work retail were getting ready for Friday sales since stores would be closed for the holiday. That’s where my son was, at work, preparing for the Friday rush. Lots of reasons viewing would be down.

By: Don J

Don J — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:56:29 +0000

Criminal Minds was phenominal last night. I actually stayed up until 4am watching it. That episode would have also worked as a season finale as well.

Judging by the numbers on Eastwick, I guess people who were watching quit once the cancelation was announced and the fact that there will be no true “series finale” for episode 13.

By: mjblaser

mjblaser — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:39:34 +0000

cm was great

By: kenny

kenny — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:32:36 +0000

At least ABC can be happy because The Middle beat up CT in viewers and to be honest a 1.8 with the amazaing numbers of most of shows last night is decent, if TM continues like that maybe we could see it next season

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:27:53 +0000

Well here’s a good ratings-related article about the Thankgiving Day Parade on NBC:

“Peacock gives thanks to a turkey: Parade is one saving grace for NBC”

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/25/peacock-gives-thanks-to-a-turkey-annual-parade-is-one-saving-gr/