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We’re Not Wrong: Studio 60 Biggest Loser Last Night

NBC may have come in second last night to CBS but that was due to “Deal or No Deal” winning the 8 p.m. slot and “Heroes” strong performance, not “Studio 60.” The ratings drop-off/retention (humorously enough discussed during the actual “Studio 60” episode last night) was horrible. And like TOH, about 650,000 viewers nodded off or changed the channel after 10:30 p.m.!

Here’s MediaWeek’s breakdown of the first three weeks of “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”
9/18/06 - Overnights: 10.3/16; Viewers: 13.41 million; A18-49: 5.0/13
9/25/06 - Overnights: 8.7/14; Viewers: 10.83 million; A18-49: 4.2/11
10/02/06 – Overnights: 7.2/11; Viewers: 9.05 million; A18-49: 3.5/ 9

 

Thanks to Simon for the tip!

 

NBC Wins Monday, Studio 60 comes in Second

We hate "Deal or No Deal" but the #$&*ing show is still drawing big ratings and launched NBC to the top spot over CBS for Monday. "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" came in behind "CSI: Miami" with a so-so 8.6 share. It’ll be interesting to see if it generates more buzz as the first few shows air. If it can average those ratings for the year versus a CSI show it should count itself lucky. We’d talk more about how DOND beat out the season premiere of "Two and a Half Men" but we just can’t stand Howie Mandel and those models anymore!

Worst Week Ever for Broadcast TV, Psych a Hit

We’re not over-exaggerating here. Last week, the week that included July 4th, was the least watched week for the four major broadcast networks in recorded history! Nielsen Media Research points to fewer summer replacements, only one 10-million plus show (“America’s Got Talent”), and the odd placement of the holiday in the middle of the week as reasons for the poor showing.

The good news is NBC doesn’t look that bad. They won the week with AGT. Which is still a dumb show. “Psych,” the new detective show on USA had 6.1 million viewers. That’s the best new show on cable for the year! Yes we said for all of 2006, which means something this fall could beat it. But still that’s pretty darn good.

What’s the bad news? Our buddy – and The Other Half’s secret love – Brian Williams fell from the number one spot for the first time since taking over “NBC Nightly News” in August 2005. We love NBC’s excuse for the ratings though. They actually said Wimbledon coverage was the lead in in many markets and nobody watches Wimbledon. Score! That’s great NBC. Show-off how lame your Sports division is while talking about your News division. Don’t worry Brian, we’ll keep watching.

NBC Finally Wins a Week!

Thanks to new episodes of "Deal or No Deal" and "The Apprentice" and mainly reruns on the other networks, NBC finally won a week among the 19-to-49-year-olds advertisers.

Read the Washington Post's take on the winners and losers of last week.

8.4 Million Tune in for Katie's Farewell

According to the Associated Press, Wednesday's "Today" had the biggest audience for a single "Today" telecast since the morning after the 2004 elections.