We all knew Idol was coming back to reclaim the number one spot. But I'm not sure any of us knew just how big the return was going to be. The kick off to the new season of the show averaged 37 million viewers. That is a premiere record for the series. What's even more impressive is that the audience grew throughout the night, going from 31 million up to 41 million. That's all well and good, and something that Fox surely needed. But in the shadow of those huge Idol numbers, there is another little gem. While ABC dodged the behemoth with 4 episodes of America's Funniest Videos and NBC hid behind Dateline and an SVU repeat, CBS went head to head with Fox, showing new episodes of NCIS and The Unit. The two averaged roughly 16 million and 12 million viewers respectively. That is, of course, dwarfed by the Idol performance, but also very close to the performance of both shows when not facing Idol. It's a good sign for CBS.
[ thanks Ben ]
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-17-2007 @ 7:35PM
Kelly said...
It's so crazy how American Idol just keeps getting more popular. I know that I love the begining of the show with all of the auditions. It's the funniest thing I've seen on television. I love all the rejects. Well, it's not a suprise that the people love American Idol. American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite reality show. Did you guys happen to watch the awards last week? If not you can catch highlights and behind the scene coverage at http://www.pcavote.com They also have blogs and message boards. I'm with the People's Choice Community so check it out and belong, so you can get the latest entertainment news.
Reply
1-18-2007 @ 12:54PM
Alice said...
It's unfortunate that American Idol grew such a "Big Head" and has become trash viewing. Did they think that season 7 would make them a phenomenon with what they are airing to 37 million viewers? I for one was disgusted with their parading of unfortunate people to be laughed at for ratings. Let's bring decency back and reclaim America's integrity!
Reply
1-20-2007 @ 10:21PM
Ernestine said...
It is cruel, inhuman and declasse to ridicule and exploit fellow human beings, and especially those who may be exceptional children of God. Only those who do have singing talent should get far enough to be exposed to the public. Anyone who has ever been connected in any way to a special needs person should refuse to watch such a program as I do.
Reply