CBS, The Big Bang Theory Atop 2011-2012 Ratings
For the ninth time in 10 years, CBS has been crowned the most-watched network in the country, with The Big Bang Theory anchoring a powerful lineup by finishing first in the advertiser-friendly 18-49-year old demographic.
Other long-running progams weren't as fortunate.
American Idol lost about six million viewers per week, and was not the most-viewed show on television for the first time in eight years; while Dancing with the Stars fell by approximately four million per week.
Here's a look at the top 10 most popular shows, based on total number of weekly viewers, for the past television season:
- NBC Sunday Night Football: 20.7 million weekly average
- American Idol performance shows: 19.7 million
- NCIS: 19.5 million
- American Idol results show: 18 million
- Dancing with the Stars performance shows: 18 million
- NCIS Los Angeles: 16 million
- Dancing with the Stars results show: 16 million
- The Big Bang Theory: 16 million
- The Voice: 15.8 million
- Two and a Half Men: 15 million
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
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Professor Proton: I'm having trouble with my pacemaker. Leonard: I'll call for help. Penny: Any chance we could plug it into the potato? Professor Proton: No.
Rank: Guest Star
June 13th, 2012 4:57 AM
No wonder Idol is down since Simon left the show. TBBT has a great writing crew and casting crew. Even in Asia TBBT holds the major popularity and all the other shows in the list is not watched by them.
May 26th, 2012 2:27 AM
I have a feeling that next year, NCIS will finally reign supreme over Idol. And god knows NCIS and the NCIS family deserve every bit of it. Personally, I want to see Idol fall for good. It ruins ratings on much more entertaining and emotionally involved shows that air simultaneously. And by shows, I mean the Vampire Diaries.
May 24th, 2012 8:03 PM
Other than TBBT, I feel very sad about that list. Seriously, no wonder amazing shows get cancelled when Dancing with the stars is on a list like that.