“The Big Bang Theory” is really starting to break away from the pack.
On a Monday night that saw CBS’ other three comedies all dip in the ratings, “Big Bang” rose over last week. It also achieved a rare feat by defeating long-running “Two and a Half Men” not only in the young adults demographic but in total viewers.
Granted, “Big Bang” was the only CBS comedy not to air opposite ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” powerhouse (18.81 million, 4.0); it, in fact, dealt with a poor-performing “Romantically Challenged” (8.69 million viewers, 2.1 adults 18-49 rating). But in achieving a 5.4 with 14.75 million viewers out of an underwhelming 4.4 with 13.17 million for “Men,” “Big Bang” once again proved that it is becoming a regular, hit CBS appointment.
Elsewhere, the heavily-hyped “Wedding Bride” episode of “How I Met Your Mother” actually took the rating down a notch, landing the show at a 3.1 with 7.69 million viewers. “Rules of Engagement” followed with a 2.9 and 7.71 million. Following “Big Bang,” “CSI: Miami” was lukewarm with a 3.0 and 10.56 million.
An uptick for the season finale of “House” likely played a role in holding “Mother” and “Rules” down. That episode posted a 4.2 with 10.89 million viewers, leading into the penultimate episode of “24” (8.98 million, 3.0).
NBC was soft with “Chuck” (5.20 million, 1.9), “Law & Order” (5.91 million, 1.7) and a second “L&O” (6.24 million, 1.8). The latter lost to both “CSI: Miami” and ABC’s “Castle” (10.09 million, 2.4).
The CW aired season finales of “One Tree Hill” (1.94 million, 0.9) and “Gossip Girl” (1.99 million, 1.1).
Ratings Sources: Nielsen, TVBN