CBS back on top in weekly ratings

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS narrowly reclaimed its position as the most-watched television network during the first week of the May sweep, bolstered by the "CSI" franchise.

During the 100-day writers strike, which ended in February, CBS lost its usual season-to-date lead among total viewers to Fox. Although CBS still trails Fox for the season, the network broke through for the week ending April 27, led by "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (17 million) and "CSI: Miami" (14.4 million).

CBS averaged 9.24 million viewers for the week, ahead of 9.16 million for Fox, 9.08 million for ABC, and 6.95 million for NBC. But Fox won the week in adults 18-49 (3.4 rating/9.5 share), ahead of ABC, CBS and NBC.

Fox's 16th consecutive weekly win in the demo was led by "American Idol." Tuesday's edition (24.7 million, 9.0/25) was up slightly from the previous week, while Wednesday's outing (23.2 million, 8.6/21) hit a season low. Tuesday "Idol" lead-out "Hell's Kitchen" (11 million, 4.9/12) held steady to win the 9 p.m. hour.

ABC's top scripted shows were "Grey's Anatomy" (16.4 million, 6.5/16) and "Desperate Housewives" (16.4 million, 5.9/14). Although "Housewives" rebounded 7% from its series low the previous week, "Grey's" was one of several shows to hit new lows on Thursday evening, along with ABC's "Ugly Betty" (8.5 million, 2.5/7).

In fourth place, NBC struggled under increased Thursday night competition, with "The Office" (7.7 million, 4.0/10), "Scrubs" (5.4 million, 2.5/7) and "My Name Is Earl" (6.2 million, 2.4/7) down from the previous week.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter