The results were not disastrous, but “Mike & Molly” definitely took a hit with the loss of “Two and a Half Men” Monday night.
With CBS airing re-runs of “Men” due to the hiatus spurred by Charlie Sheen’s most recent issues, the network is currently without its Monday tentpole. The show still performs very well in re-runs–Monday’s edition drew a 3.0 adults 18-49 rating with 11.52 million viewers–but it is far from the viewership magnet it is for originals (easily in the 4.5 ballpark). The reduced lead-in meant a drop for “Mike & Molly,” which fell from last week’s 3.8 down to a 3.2 with 11.29 million.
CBS, to some degree, can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that “Mike & Molly” is stable enough to avoid death without an original “Men” lead-in, but the veteran’s absence was definitely felt. Plus, because the “Men” re-run was still something of a ratings powerhouse Monday, a verdict is not yet available on how “Mike & Molly” would do without any support.
Earlier in the night, “How I Met Your Mother” fell to a 3.6 with 9.44 million. Though no one will argue with that strong performance for an 8PM comedy, the positive news does hinge on “Mother” holding up well against the soon-to-be-returning “Dancing with the Stars.” The acclaimed comedy has historically taken a slight hit (a few tenths) against “Dancing,” and the fact that it has fallen from the 3.8-4.0 territory prior to the “Dancing” arrival could mean it will soon dip below the 3.5 barrier.
“Mad Love” averaged a 2.8 with 8.02 million viewers. Though down from last week’s premiere, the fall is not terrible insofar as the curiosity buzz would be gone and the show received less “sandwich” benefit due to the “Men” re-run. At the same time, the case can certainly be made that the retention from similarly-skewing “Mother” should be better. And given the fact that the lukewarm “Rules of Engagement” performed better in the timeslot, it is unclear what value “Love” is bringing to the table.
“Hawaii 5-0” dipped to a 2.7 with 10.25 million viewers at 10PM.
Frankly, I’m not surprised that “Mike and Molly” have lower ratings without “Two and a Half Men” because it is a newer show and people are probably watching just because it comes on after “Men.” Some people on other blogs have mentioned that it doesn’t seem as interesting with the new “adult” content being introduced more each week to compete with the absence of “Men.” I watched on my DISH Network HD emploee service and saw the Valentines episode. Although it was a chrystal clear picture on my DISH HD service I didn’t enjoy seeing them argue over such a trivial thing as a past boyfriend. Mike was way too phycho and there aren’t enough side plots with other characters. They need to developte Mike’s partner’s character and give him more on the show. Dating disasters would be a great way to do that. I would tune in on DISH HD for that!