Fast National ratings for Friday, February 11, 2011.
After looking like a fairly successful Friday transplant just a month ago, ratings for FOX’s “Fringe” have continued to slip, though the network remained in a three-way tie for the night in the all-important demographic.
Interestingly, although CBS was the only one of the Big Four not in that demo split, the network still dominated Friday overall with its procedurals.
For the night, FOX, NBC and ABC all averaged a 1.4 rating among adults 18-49, tops in that key demographic. CBS was a close fourth with a 1.3 rating, while The CW’s 0.9 rating was fairly close.
Overall, though, CBS averaged an estimated 8.32 million viewers to go with a 5.3 rating/10 share. NBC was second with just under 6 million viewers and a 3.9/7, holding off the 3.5/6 and 5.52 million viewers for ABC. FOX’s 2.2/4 and 3.71 million viewers were enough for fourth, beating the 1.2/2 and 2.14 million viewers for The CW.
8 p.m. – CBS started primetime in first overall with the 7.92 million viewers for “The Defenders,” which could only muster a less impressive 1.1 rating among adults 18-49, third for the hour. NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” was second with 6.6 million viewers and also second in the key demo. ABC’s airing of a pair of Charlie Brown Valentine’s Day specials averaged 3.86 million viewers and finished fourth in the demo. FOX’s “Kitchen Nightmares” actually won the hour with a 1.5 demo rating, though its 3.72 million viewers finished fourth. The CW’s “Smallville” averaged 2.33 million viewers and a 0.9 demo rating, both down slightly from last week.
9 p.m. – “CSI: NY” drew the night’s biggest audience, giving CBS 9.66 million viewers in the 9 p.m. hour, also averaging a 1.5 demo rating to take the hour. NBC’s “Dateline” was second with 5.66 million viewers. Third went to ABC’s “20/20” with 5.25 million viewers. FOX’s “Fringe” averaged 3.71 million, dipping below 4 million for the first time since moving, though its 1.4 demo rating still tied for second on the hour. The CW’s “Supernatural” also had a weak week, averaging 1.96 million viewers and a 0.9 demo rating.
10 p.m. – ABC moved into first for the 10 p.m. hour with 7.44 million viewers and a 1.9 demo rating for “20/20.” CBS’ repeat of “Blue Bloods” was second overall with 7.38 million viewers, third in the demo. “Dateline” averaged 5.73 million viewers and finished second in the demo.
All ratings information comes from preliminary Fast National Nielsen data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are subject to change.