Ratings Chart Attack!

Most people chose “no deal” Wednesday as “Deal or No Deal” tied its second lowest performance to date, according to preliminary Nielsen research.

“Deal” brought in a 2.0 rating/6 share, down 17% from last week. “Law & Order” (3.0/8) took a hit as well, stumbling 19%. NBC placed third for the night with a 2.3/6.

At the front end, Fox’s (5.2/14) “American Idol” unsurprisingly rolled on as the highest-rated show of the night with an 8.1/21, off 6% from a week ago. “’Til Death” (2.0/7) and “Back to You” (2.5/7) saw drops from last week as well, 13% and 7%, respectively.

CBS’ (2.7/7) “The Price Is Right” (1.7/5) came on down to a Wednesday prime-time showing, taking “Big Brother’s” slot. “Price” slid 23% from its Friday night showings. “Criminal Minds” (3.2/8) and “CSI: NY” (3.1/8) placed near their previous season averages.

“Wife Swap” (2.2/7) and “Supernanny” (2.2/5) were flat for ABC (2.1/6), while “Boston Legal” (1.9/5) tripped over its Wednesday time period premiere. “Legal” fell 21% off its Tuesday average, but improved on “Men in Trees’” season-to-date average in the slot by 19%.

“Farmer Wants a Wife” (1.0/3, 1.0/3 in 18- to 34-year-olds) debuted on The CW (1.5/4), down 23% at 9 p.m. in the 18-34 demo from “Crowned’s” debut in the time period in December.

“America’s Next Top Model” was essentially flat from last week with a 2.0/6 in the 18-49 demo and a 2.4/8 among 18- to 34-year-olds.