TV Ratings: 'Shrek,' '20/20' boost ABC on Friday

CBS still wins overall, led by 'Ghost Whisperer,' but ABC splits the demo

By Daniel Fienberg Saturday, Nov 21, 2009 11:52 AM

'Shrek the Third'

Credit: DreamWorks Animation

Fast National ratings for Friday, November 20, 2009.

Although CBS still scored a comfortable overall win on Friday night, ABC's broadcast of "Shrek the Third" and a solid "20/20" performance helped get the network a split in the key demographic.

Among adults 18-49, ABC and CBS both averaged a 1.9 rating. NBC's 1.4 rating was third, followed by the 1.0 rating for FOX. The CW trailed in the key demographic with a 1.0 rating.

Overall, though, CBS averaged an estimated 8.03 million viewers to go with a 5.1 rating/9 share to win the night. NBC was second with a 4.3/8, nipping the 4.1/7 for ABC, but ABC averaged more viewers. FOX's 2.3/4 was fourth, with The CW trailing with a 1.1/2.

CBS started the night in first with a 5.4/9 for "Ghost Whisperer," which also claimed the hour in the 18-49 demo with a 2.0 rating. NBC's "Law & Order" was second with a 4.8/9. ABC's "Shrek the Third" had a 3.4/6 overall, but topped NBC in the key demo. FOX's "House" repeat was fourth. The CW's "Smallville" had a 1.6/3, averaging 2.45 million viewers, slightly down from recent airings.

At 9 p.m. CBS' "Medium" and NBC's "Dateline" both averaged a 5.0/9 (with CBS holding the advantage in both total viewers and the 18-49 demo). ABC's "Shrek the Third" was third overall with a 3.7/6, but averaged a 2.1 rating to win the key demo. FOX's "Bones" repeat had a 2.4/4 for fourth. The CW's "America's Next Top Model" finale repeat was fifth.

ABC won the 10 p.m. hour with a 5.3/10 for "20/20," also taking the 18-49 demo with a 1.8 rating. CBS' "Numb3rs" was second with a 5.1/9. NBC's "The Jay Leno Show" was steady in third.

All ratings information comes from preliminary Fast National Nielsen data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are subject to change.

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.