Even without help from late-afternoon NFL carry-over, FOX’s “Family Guy” was able to score a big ratings performance for its newest Christmas episode on Sunday.
The hourlong “Road to the North Pole,” the latest in the Brian/Stewie “road to” series, posted an impressive 4.0 adults 18-49 rating with 8.02 million viewers. It built off its “The Simpsons” lead-in in both viewers and the demo (3.3 rating with 7.31 million viewers) and came second only to the mammoth Cowboys vs. Eagles game in its timeslot.
“American Dad,” which followed “Guy,” scored a 3.1 with 6.26 million viewers.
While “Family Guy” was strong, ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” continues to show its age. Sunday’s airing was only good for a 3.5 rating with 11.45 million viewers.
Also on ABC: “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (2.2 rating, 8.80 million viewers), “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (2.4 rating, 8.58 million) and “Brothers and Sisters” (2.5 rating, 8.77 million).
