Maybe it’s because of the changes in weather, people’s busy schedules, or even the alignment of the stars, but most major networks experienced a lower than normal viewer rating last week on some of their most popular television shows.
ABC’s “Ugly Betty” received its series low in the adult demographic of 18 to 49 years old, according to Yahoo! News and Nielsen Media Research. CBS’ “Shark,” NBC’s “My Name is Earl,” and three Fox shows, “The War at Home,” “King of the Hill,” and “The Simpson’s” all received similarly low ratings in the same demographic category.
CBS’ “CSI: Miami,” Fox’s “24,” and Tuesday’s edition of “American Idol” all fell to season lows. “American Idol” only managed to hold the attention of 26.5 million viewers during its Tuesday broadcast. Also, ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” tied its record low set, which it had just set on Easter Sunday.
For the rating week, which ended April 22, Fox came in first in both total viewers, averaging 10.3 million viewers and also in the 18 to 49 demographic. Fox was followed by CBS with 9.6 million total viewers. ABC was close behind with 9.5 million.