Update: Indications from the overnight ratings proved correct; the first half of CBS’ Thursday lineup performed like a monster.
“The Big Bang Theory” delivered a whopping 5.6 adults 18-49 rating with 18.9 million viewers for its hourlong premiere. The second half hour, which drew a 5.8 to boost the overall rating, dazzled with an audience of 19.51 million.
Benefiting from that impressive lead-in, “The Crazy Ones” started with an impressive 4.0 rating and 15.61 million viewers. “Two and a Half Men,” which aired in its new 9:30PM timeslot, was good for a 2.9 and 11.54 million.
“Elementary” closed CBS’ evening with a 2.1 rating and 10.14 million viewers.
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Referencing James Wolk’s presence in both, “not great, Bob” was the clever reaction many “Mad Men” fans communicated about Thursday’s premiere of “The Crazy Ones.”
While that might apply to the show’s quality, it cannot, however, apply to the show’s ratings.
Fueled by a monster double dose of “The Big Bang Theory,” which delivered an 11.9 overnight metered market rating at 8PM and a whopping 12.3 at 8:30PM, “Ones,” starring Wolk, Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar, drew an impressive 10.6 rating to rank as the highest-rated premiere (in the overnights; “SHIELD” might retain the 18-49 crown) this season.
It is not expected to be television’s youngest-skewing show, but with a household rating so large, its performance in the adults 18-49 demo is sure to be solid.
“Two and a Half Men” followed with a modest, but still sizable 7.9 for the debut of Amber Tamblyn as Charlie Harper’s daughter, while “Elementary” closed out CBS’ night at a 6.6.