Alphabet poised to reign again

[Naj]

An idea of the viewership battles:


HOLLYWOOD -- Heading into last season, Sunday was the most wide-open night of the week, ready for the taking.
Well, it's been taken.

Boosted by three top-10 hits, including dynamo first-year anchor "Desperate Housewives," ABC soared to Sunday supremacy and is the overwhelming favefave to stay that way this upcoming season.

Among all nights of regular programming, only CBS' Thursday (7.5 rating in adults 18-49, according to Nielsen) drew better ratings than ABC's Sunday last season (6.5), with the Alphabet more than doubling its prior season's perfperf.

"Desperate Housewives" was No. 3 in 18-49 (behind two "American Idol" editions), frosh drama "Grey's Anatomy" ranked fifth and reality hit "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" placed 10th.

There's not a lot shaking on Sunday this fall, with Fox comedy "The War at Home" the only new show and NBC's move of vet "The West Wing""The West Wing" here the most significant shift.

Here's a look at the night, skipping past the football-dominated 7 o'clock hour:

8-9 p.m.

NBC wasn't looking to challenge for the slot lead by moving "West Wing" here but merely to improve upon last season's weak 18-49 average with "American Dreams""American Dreams" (2.6).

Although 8 o'clock on a weeknight would seem early for such a dense drama, the show's core 35-plus audaud figures to be home with remote in hand on Sunday at this time, so it's a good move.

"West Wing" should cut into solid CBS drama "Cold Case" (3.5), which also draws an older aud, but it could also free up younger viewers for "The Simpsons""The Simpsons" on Fox and "Home Edition" at ABC.

Fox hopes to bridge "The Simpsons" at 8 and "Family Guy""Family Guy" at 9 with new family comedy "The War at Home." The crass but mildly funny half-hour should play well enough, especially among males 12-30 -- the aud least likely to switch to ABC for the conclusion of "Home Edition."

The WBThe WB goes for Middle America on the night, using "Reba""Reba" repeats to lead into "Charmed," which returns here despite ratings slippage.

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ARTICLE

[Tati]

Heh. It took me a couple of minutes to understand what "Alphabet" meant :smile25:

I don't understand American ratings fully. Is this something we should be worried about?

[TVFan]

I don't think it's going to make much of an impact Tati. The West Wing is on its way out, and barely registered a blip in its old Wednesday night timeslot (a not-very-competitive one). Cold Case and Extreme Make-over Home Edition have strong followings, so I don't see it being a problem. From what I've read, NBC put West Wing in its new slot (against CC) in order to let it ride out its last season (most likely) because next season NBC won't have any Sunday night programing because they just signed a deal this spring with the NFL, meaning they'll be airing the Sunday night games instead of ESPN (who just picked up the Monday Night Football franchise from ABC). Basically, I'm not too concerned because I think CC can hold its own.

[Disasterfreak]

I think it can, too... unless the writers make a booboo. But I trust'em (at least, I should). They haven't disappointed me so far, except to take screen time off Lilly. Thanks for posting this, guys... although I'm also a bit confused by american ratings.

[Trublu]

I dont think CC will have too many problems. As TV said, "The West Wing" is on its last legs here. Its in it's same slot, so fans will stick with it :smile41:

As for me... I dont understand American ratings either! :smile44:

[byrdman9802]

Good evening everyone,

Hello, this is the Byrdman coming at you all tonight, I hope that everyone is doing well tonight, and that the week is winding down smoothly for you all.

Thanks for posting this, Naj. Unfortunately, I believe the basis of this article is correct, at least on Sundays. ABC holds the highest rankings for Sunday night, and that is a fact. Just look at CC's season finale night. ABC blew EVERYONE out of the water that night. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and "Desperate Housewives" rule the roost on Sunday. However, I have never seen either show, and I watch Cold Case every weekend.

I agree that the ratings and Nielsens are very confusing, I mostly ignore them, and just focus on and watch my favorite shows. If I ever see a note about how well they are doing, I might pay attention, I might not, it doesn't really matter to me. In any case, Cold Case rules! Our girl KM rules! We know better, and please be sure to keep the faith, folks.

Let's keep our fandom up and make sure that this great show is on the air for a number of years to come! Thanks for your attention, and take care tonight, everyone!