Primetime Ratings, Wednesday, 1/16/13

As expected, the return of American Idol handily won the night for FOX.

Speaking of which, the season 12 premiere dropped 20% from last year, becoming the lowest rated debut since the very first season (which aired in the summer). Still, even mediocre ratings for Idol soundly crushed everyone else.

ABC comedies The Middle and The Neighbors both dropped small amounts, while Suburgatory and the juggernaut known as Modern Family took bigger hits. Although MF easily won its timeslot regardless. Nashville rose a little, but continues to ride the edge of the cancellation axe. Criminal Minds returned to a decent-sized drop, while CSI went up a tenth. Arrow also rose a tenth, and lead-out Supernatural matched its last new episode from December.

Key: Broadcast Network - Show Name - 18-49 Rating - 18-49 Share - Total Viewers In Millions

8PM

FOX - American Idol (Season Premiere) - 6.0 - 16 - 17.81

ABC - The Middle (N) - 2.3 - 7 - 8.20

CBS - NCIS (R) - 1.1 - 3 - 8.37

CW - Arrow (N) - 1.1 - 3 - 3.12

NBC - Whitney (R) - 0.8 - 2 - 2.66

8:30PM

ABC - The Neighbors (N) - 1.9 - 5 - 6.16

NBC - Guys With Kids (R) - 0.8 - 2 - 2.35

9PM

ABC - Modern Family (N) - 4.3 - 11 - 11.01

CBS - Criminal Minds (N) - 2.8 - 7 - 12.53

CW - Supernatural (N) - 0.9 - 2 - 2.07

NBC - Law & Order: SVU (R) - 0.6 - 2 - 2.73

9:30PM

ABC - Suburgatory (N) - 2.4 - 6 - 6.35

10PM

CBS - CSI (N) - 2.3 - 6- 11.10

ABC - Nashville (N) - 2.2 - 6 - 6.54

NBC - Chicago Fire (R) - 1.0 - 3 - 3.44

Source: Nielsen Media Research