"The Big Bang Theory" Soars To Series Highs

via press release:

"The Big Bang Theory" SOARS TO SERIES HIGHS

"Two and a Half Men" Notches Best Ratings of the Season

CBS Wins Monday in All Key Measures

The Big Bang Theory posted its best ratings ever in viewers and key demographic categories, and Two and a Half Men delivered its highest ratings of the season, leading CBS to a convincing nightly win, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for Monday, Dec. 7.

Editors Note:  In Baltimore, ESPN's "Monday Night Football" coverage of the Ravens at Packers game aired on the CBS affiliate, delivering a 20.0/30.  CBS's ratings are tentative and subject to change.

The Big Bang Theory was first in households (8.6/13), viewers (14.72m), adults 25-54 (6.6/14), adults 18-49 (5.7/13) and adults 18-34 (4.4/11).  The Big Bang Theory improved on its Two and a Half Men lead-in by +5% in adults 25-54, +12% in adults 18-49 and +19% in adults 18-34.  If the ratings hold, these are series highs for The Big Bang Theory.

Two and a Half Men was first in households (9.0/13), viewers (15.16m), adults 25-54 (6.3/14), adults 18-49 (5.1/12) and adults 18-34 (3.7/10).   If the ratings hold, these are season highs for Two and a Half Men.

CSI: MIAMI was first in households (8.2/13), viewers (12.94m), adults 25-54 (4.7/11), adults 18-49 (3.8/10) and adults 18-34 (2.9/08).

At 8:00 PM, How I Met Your Mother was first in viewers (9.15m), adults 25-54 (4.1/10), adults 18-49 (3.5/10), adults 18-34 (3.3/10) and tied for first in households (5.6/09, with FOX).

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE was first in adults 25-54 (3.6/08), adults 18-49 (2.9/08), adults 18-34 (2.3/07), second in households (5.0/08) and viewers (8.30m).

For the night, CBS was first in households (7.4/12), viewers (12.20m), adults 25-54 (5.0/12), adults 18-49 (4.1/11) and adults 18-34 (3.2/09).

Updated Monday ratings will be available this afternoon.