Categories: TV NewsTV Ratings

Ratings Update: CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” Crashes 23%; Hits Season Low

Update: Thursday’s final ratings report brought an upward adjustment for “The Big Bang Theory,” but it did not help the show escape its season low distinction.

Thursday’s episode, which was the first original since March 12, drew a 3.4 adults 18-49 rating with 13.89 million viewers. Both figures were down significantly from those of the previous episode, which scored a 4.4 with 16.13 million.

The viewership total for this week’s episode was the lowest since May 2012.

CBS’ other Thursday programs:

“The Odd Couple” – 1.9 with 8.70 million viewers (versus a 2.5 with 10.24 million on 3/12)
9PM “The Big Bang Theory” re-run – 1.8 with 8.34 million viewers (versus a 2.2 with 9.39 million on 3/12)
Mom – 2.0 with 8.62 million viewers (versus a 2.2 with 9.09 million on 3/12)
Elementary – 1.2 with 7.48 million viewers (versus a 1.4 with 7.58 million on 3/12)

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While it still ranked as Thursday’s top-rated and most-watched program, Thursday’s “The Big Bang Theory” delivered the series’ weakest numbers in years.

The episode, which marked a return after two weeks of basketball pre-emption, drew a season low 3.2 adults 18-49 rating. Its viewership average of 13.35 million also represented a season low — and, in fact, the smallest “Big Bang” viewership total since April 2012.

An upward adjustment in the finals is possible, but it will not turn this week’s performance into a good one by “Big Bang” standards.

The previous episode, which aired on March 12, posted a considerably stronger 4.4 adults 18-49 rating with 16.13 million total viewers.

— CBS’ other Thursday programs also fell from their March 12 levels:

“The Odd Couple” drew a 1.9 with 8.71 million viewers (versus a 2.5 with 10.24 million on 3/12)
A 9PM “The Big Bang Theory” re-run drew a 1.8 with 8.29 million viewers (versus a 2.2 with 9.39 million)
“Mom” drew a 2.0 with 8.39 million viewers (versus a 2.2 with 9.09 million)*
“Elementary” drew a 1.2 with 7.36 million (versus a 1.4 with 7.58 million)

*While it was down episode-to-episode, “Mom” deserves credit for tying ABC’s “Scandal” (the competitive 9:30-10PM portion) in the demo. It also beat “Scandal” in total viewership, but that is a typical feat.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

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Brian Cantor