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TV Ratings: 'Friday Night Lights' returns soft, CBS wins Friday

'Primetime' helps ABC tie in the demo, while 'Medium' helps CBS win overall

By Daniel Fienberg Saturday, May 8, 2010 11:56 AM

<p>'Medium'</p>

'Medium'

Credit: CBS
Fast National ratings for Friday, May 7, 2010.
 
ABC got strong numbers from a "Primetime: What Would You Do?" special, while CBS got consistent numbers from its three dramas, as the two networks battled for ratings supremacy on Friday night.
 
Meanwhile, speaking of Friday night, NBC's "Friday Night Lights" returned and drew a typically lackluster (but appreciative) audience, but it also didn't do any worse in the 18-49 demo than the already renewed "Who Do You Think You Are?" did last week in its finale. That's not so bad for a series that has already aired in its entirety on DirecTV.
 
For the night, CBS and ABC both averaged a 1.6 rating among adults 18-49, tops in the key demographic. FOX's 1.3 and the 1.2 rating for NBC followed closely. The CW was fifth with a 0.6 rating.
 
Overall, CBS averaged an estimated 6.64 million viewers and a 4.3 rating/8 share. ABC's 3.5/7 held off the 3.1/6 for NBC. FOX was a distant fourth with a 2.0/4, while The CW's 1.0/2 trailed.
 
"Ghost Whisperer" started the night in first for CBS with a 4.1/8 and a 1.6 demo rating. ABC's "Wife Swap" was second with a 3.1/6. On NBC, "Friday Night Lights" had its network season premiere with a 2.4/5, averaging 3.9 million viewers and a 1.2 demo rating. That beat FOX's "House" repeat. The CW's "Smallville" was fifth with a 1.3/3, drawing 1.92 million viewers one of its lower recent audiences.
 
CBS stayed in first overall at 9 p.m. with a 4.5/6 for "Medium," which was the night's most-watched program. ABC's "What Would You Do?" was second overall with a 3.8/7 and delivered a 1.9 demo rating, Friday's best. NBC's "Dateline" had a 3.0/5 for third overall. FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares" had a 2.1/4 for fourth overall and topped NBC in the key demo. The CW's repeat of "America's Next Top Model" was fifth.
 
"Miami Medical" did a 4.1/8 to win the 10 p.m. hour overall, even if that overall audience was down from last week and the drama finished third in the key demo. NBC's "Dateline" was a close second overall and second in the demo. ABC's "20/20" had a 3.5/7 for third overall, but posted a 1.6 demo rating to win the hour.
 
 
All ratings information comes from preliminary Fast National Nielsen data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are subject to change.
Dan-feinberg-sm
Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor
A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.
Related Searches: Nielsen ratings, ratings, TV Ratings, friday, Friday Night Lights, Dateline, Miami Medical, Smallville, Ghost Whisperer, Medium
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  • Why they keep that hammy, over the top junk "Friday Night Lights" is beyond me what a bunch of cornball.
    I see the trailer and I want to put my fist into my brand new TV. Sports dramas never work out anyway, give it up NBC.

    May 8, 2010 at 4:01PM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    Charlotte

    Hey Now. . .I adore Friday Night Lights! And sooo happy it's back on NBC. Watched last nite with a bunch of friends. Clear eyes. . .Full hearts. . .Can't Lose. Go Loins!

    May 8, 2010 at 7:54PM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    El Waller

    Keep FNL lights on!!!!

    C'mon people. I actually kept a particular satellite company just to keep watching it. Now it's on reg tv and then it's going off the air. boo hisssssss

    May 9, 2010 at 12:06AM EST Reply to Comment



  • FNL fans might also enjoy this May 6, 2010 Mr. Media video interview with new "Lights" star Drew Waters, who plays Coach Wade Aiken on the show: http://www.mrmedia.com/2010/05/video-friday-night-lights-star-drew.html

    May 10, 2010 at 10:37AM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    Bob

    They need to keep FNL on tv for another 10 years it's the best show ever

    May 24, 2010 at 5:10PM EST Reply to Comment

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