James Hibberd

Reality shows staged a comeback Tuesday night, as NBC’s combination of “Clash of the Choirs” and “The Biggest Loser” finale won the night.

NBC led among adults 18 to 49 in the preliminary Nielsen ratings, while CBS won among total viewers with its trio of original dramas.

“Biggest Loser” (4.6) was off a very slight 4% from last year, but that’s still considered a victory given the increased DVR penetration (now up to 21%, according to the latest Nielsen tally). Its success bodes well for NBC’s next round of “Biggest Loser” debuting Jan. 1.

Lead-in “Choirs” (2.4) maintained its premiere number, and NBC just announced it will expand Thursday night’s finale to two hours.

Fox was second with repeats of “Bones” (2.0) and “House” (3.3).

CBS was third with originals of “NCIS” (2.7), “The Unit” (2.8) and the last produced episode of “Cane” (1.8), all on the low side.

ABC was fourth with “Duel” (2.4), up a sigh-of-relief 14% from its premiere to tie with “Choir” for second place in the 8 p.m. hour. A repeat of “According to Jim” (1.5) followed, then a season-low “Boston Legal” (2.1). The CW aired repeats.