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Return of ‘CSI’ Puts CBS on Top

Jan 5, 2007  •  Post A Comment

The return of “CSI” helped CBS conquer the Thursday night ratings, with the detective drama pulling its largest 18 to 49 audience of the season.

“CSI” earned an 8.3 rating, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research figures, which made it the highest-rated show of the night by more than 3 ratings points. CBS followed “CSI” with the return of “Shark,” which tied its lowest non-Thanksgiving rating to date despite the strong lead-in.

NBC took second place on Thursday as its comedy block kicked off with the return of “My Name Is Earl” (4.3), which matched its highest rating of the season, then “The Office” (4.3), “Scrubs” (3.6) and “30 Rock” (3.0).

After showing signs of new life earlier this season, “ER” at 10 p.m. had a 4.6, its lowest original rating ever, possibly due to its low “30 Rock” lead-in. The lack of a new “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC at 9 p.m. may also have kept “ER” from doing better, as some TV executives have speculated that “Grey’s” boosted interest in “ER’s” medical theme.

ABC was third with “Ugly Betty” (3.7) at 8 p.m., delivering its lowest non-Thanksgiving rating of the season, followed by two “Grey’s” repeats (3.7 and 4.0).

Fox took fourth place, but the network’s “Til Death” (2.0) and “The War at Home” (2.0) both enjoyed their highest time-slot ratings in months. “The O.C.,” which Fox this week said it is canceling, had a 1.7, matching its highest rating this season.

The CW had two “Smallville” repeats that averaged a 1.1.

(Editor: Baumann)