NBC has yet to find breakout success for its 8:30PM slot on Thursdays, but critically-panned “The Paul Reiser Show” took the timeslot struggle to a new level.
An absolute bomb, the comedy premiere opened to just a 1.1 adults 18-49 rating and 3.31 million viewers Thursday night. While its lead-in “Community” posted an awful 1.4 with 3.48 million viewers at 8PM, there still should have been enough curiosity to avoid such a dismal debut.
The weakness at 8PM did not stop “The Office” from improving this week. The 9PM flagship, which welcomed guest star Will Ferrell into the mix as part of its send-off for Steve Carell, posted an improved 3.9 adults 18-49 rating with 7.69 million viewers. Within the demo, that put “The Office” in a deadheat with the 9:30PM performance for “Bones” (3.9 rating with 12.76 million viewers at 8PM; 3.7 rating with 11.93 million viewers overall).
It, of course, should be noted that “The Office” faced repeat competition from CBS and ABC. It is therefore unclear that Will Ferrell’s debut made a truly-significant ratings impact.
“The Office” led into “Parks and Recreation,” which inched up to a 2.6 and 5.23 million viewers for April and Andy’s surprise wedding. “30 Rock” followed with a 2.2 and 4.50 million, while “Outsourced” closed the night at a 1.7 and 3.54 million.