Nielsen fast overnight ratings for Thursday from Marc Berman
American Idol opened the evening for Fox with 21.24 million viewers and a 7.5 rating/20 share among adults 18-49 at 8 p.m., which was a massive improvement over regularly scheduled occupant Bones. Second in the time period was Survivor: Tocantins on CBS (Viewers: 11.98 million; A18-49: 3.8/10 — go Taj!), followed by ABC Ugly Betty and NBC sitcoms My Name is Earl and Kath & Kim tied for the No.3 and 4 spots as follows:
American Idol won it’s time slot handily, but nearly lost the night to CSI:
CBS aforementioned CSI moved into the 9 p.m. winner circle, with a hefty 20.80 million viewers and a 5.3/13 among adults 18-49. Keep in mind, however, that competing Grey Anatomy on ABC (Viewers: #3, 5.68 million; A18-49: #4, 1.6/ 4) was a repeat.
Mega teen star Taylor Swift guest starred on CSI, giving their ratings a lift.
I’m sure TPTB are hoping the ratings will pick up once the newly-minted Top 13 begins competition on Tuesday–singing the songs of Michael Jackson.
Appearances from Idol fav Kelly Clarkson and bad boy musical genius Kanye West should help on Wednesday.