Primetime Ratings, Thursday, 3/6/14

 

 

CBS once again won Thursday in all measures.

'The Big Bang Theory' regained the two tenths it lost last week, and added one more, rising to a 5.3. 'The Miller's also rose, increasing two tenths to a 2.9. 'Two and a Half Men' bumped up a tenth to a 2.6, its highest rating since September's season premiere. Sadly, 'The Crazy Ones' was the only CBS comedy not to rise, dropping two tenths to a series low of 1.7. If 'Crazy' doesn't improve soon, its prediction is getting downgraded. 'Elementary' rose slightly, earning a 1.8.

'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' returned from its long winter layoff to the tune of a tepid 0.9. Well, so much 'Wonderland' saving itself from the ax. With its terrible lead-in back, 'Grey's Anatomy' plunged half a point to a 2.6. 'Scandal' followed suit, diving down six tenths to a 2.8. Over on FOX, 'American Idol' set another new series low of 2.2. The all-but canceled 'Rake' matched last week's 0.8.

'Community' matched last week's series low of 1.0, but I'm still keeping it in the "likely renewal" column until it falls below that threshold. Lead-out 'Parks & Recreation' had a great night, rising two tenths to a 1.3. Couple that with prior statements by NBC executives, and an upgrade it has earned. 'Hollywood Game Night' dropped slightly, posting a 1.1. 'Parenthood' rose a smidge, earning a 1.2. As for The CW, 'The Vampire Diaries' rose a tenth to a 1.0, while 'Reign' rose two tenths to a 0.7.

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

8PM

CBS - The Big Bang Theory (N) - 5.3 - 17 - 18.09

FOX - American Idol (N) - 2.2 - 7 - 9.76

NBC - Community (N) - 1.0 - 3 - 2.79

CW -  The Vampire Diaries (N) - 1.0 - 3 - 2.19

ABC - Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (N) - 0.9 - 3 - 3.27

8:30PM

CBS - The Millers (N) - 2.9 - 9 - 11.58

NBC - Parks & Recreation (N) - 1.3 - 4 - 2.95

9PM

CBS - Two and a Half Men (N) - 2.6 - 8 - 10.38

ABC - Grey's Anatomy (N) - 2.6 - 8 - 8.21

NBC - Hollywood Game Night (N) - 1.1 - 3 - 3.32

FOX - Rake (N) - 0.8 - 2 - 3.53

CW - Reign (N) - 0.7 - 2 - 1.75

9:30PM

CBS - The Crazy Ones (N) - 1.7 - 5 - 6.96

10PM

ABC - Scandal (N) - 2.8 - 8 - 8.53

CBS - Elementary (N) - 1.8 - 5 - 8.54

NBC - Parenthood (N) - 1.2 - 4 - 3.80

Source: Nielsen Media Research

PRIMETIME PROGNOSTICATION

The five main factors I consider when making a prediction are thus:

1. Does the show win its timeslot, and how often? (CW shows are exempt from this criteria.)

2. How do the show's ratings compare to similar programs on the same network? (Self explanatory.)

3. How long has the show been on the air? (Veteran series are always more likely to get renewed.)

4. Does the show have any high-profile leads? (Never discount star power.)

5. How much does the show cost to make? (Approximately, exact TV budgets are hard to come by.)

Newly updated predictions are in bold.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland - Guaranteed Cancellation

Grey's Anatomy - Guaranteed Renewal

Scandal - Guaranteed Renewal

The Big Bang Theory - Guaranteed Renewal

The Millers - Guaranteed Renewal

Two and a Half Men - Likely Renewal

The Crazy Ones - Likely Renewal

Elementary - Likely Renewal

The Vampire Diaries - Already Renewed

Reign - Already Renewed

Rake - Guaranteed Cancellation

Community - Likely Renewal

Parks & Recreation - Guaranteed Renewal

Parenthood - Likely Renewal