There aren’t many new shows this season aimed at kids. There’s no big new reality launch and very few broad comedies.
But perhaps kids are more sophisticated than we give them credit for. The two new shows that did best among children 2-11 last week were decidedly adult in theme, with one focused on sex and family politics, the other a sharp indictment of Hollywood.
ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters” and NBC’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” tied for the No. 1 new show on broadcast among 2-11s last week with a 1.1 rating each, according to Nielsen data analyzed by Univision. Both air at 10 p.m.
Among new shows, ABC’s Friday dramedy “Men in Trees” tied with CBS’s Monday sitcom “The Class” for second at 1.0. Tied for fourth were CBS’s “Shark” and ABC’s “Six Degrees” at 0.9, followed by Fox’s “Standoff” at 0.8, CBS’s “Jericho” and Fox’s “’Til Death” and “Happy Hour” at 0.7, Fox’s “Justice” and “Vanished” at 0.6, NBC’s “Kidnapped” at 0.5, and CBS’s “Smith” at 0.4.
It’s not too hard to figure out why “Sisters” did well in the demo. Its lead-in, “Desperate Housewives,” is one of the top shows among kids 2-11, averaging a 2.5 in the demographic. And "Sisters" is similar in theme, with family intrigue and back-stabbing and sexual shenanigans.
Also, the show featured stars even kids know, such as “Alias’s” Balthazar Getty and “Ally McBeal’s” Calista Flockhart.
Less apparent is why “Studio 60” would do so well. It too has a strong lead-in in "Deal or No Deal," but is very different in tone. The show is squarely aimed at media savvy adults, with the sort of crackling dialogue from creator Aaron Sorkin that sends even the most educated viewers to the dictionary.
But perhaps the answer is that in the 10 p.m. hour, where dead bodies, sex and hospital dramas usually rule, the NBC show could pass for family fare.
There was no sex or violence in the pilot. The show brings up sophisticated themes like the media’s moral responsibility to the public, but they may be ideas that can open discussions with children, unlike the latest “CSI.”
In fact, 2-11s was the only demographic where “Studio 60” finished ahead of CBS’s competing “CSI: Miami.”
Indeed, Common Sense Media, which provides TV reviews geared at parents, gave the show four stars out of five.
Meanwhile, in broadcast and basic cable ratings for younger viewers for the week ended Sept. 24:
Among teens 12-17: ABC was first with an average 2.2 rating, followed by Fox at 2.0, with CBS and NBC tied for third at 1.6, the CW at 1.5, Univision at 1.0, Telefutura and Telemundo tied at 0.2, and Azteca last at 0.1.
Among kids 2-11: ABC lead with 1.5, then NBC snuck in at 1.2, ahead of Fox at 1.1 and tied-for-fourth CBS and Univision at 1.0, the CW at 0.7, Telemundo and Telefutura tied at 0.2, and Azteca at 0.1.
The top five shows among 9-14s: 1. “Zoey 101” (Nickelodeon, Sunday, 8 p.m.); 2. “Ned Declassified” (Nickelodeon, 7:30 p.m.); 3. “Drake & Josh” (Nickelodeon, Sunday, 7 p.m.); 4. “Avatar” (Nickelodeon, Saturday, 11:30 a.m.); 5. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (ABC, Sunday, 8 p.m.)
The top five shows among 12-17s: 1. “Desperate Housewives” (ABC, Sunday 9 p.m.); 2. “Family Guy” (Fox, Sunday 9 pm); 3. “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, Thursday, 9 p.m.); 4. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (ABC, Sunday, 8 p.m.); 5. “American Dad” (Fox, Sunday 8:31 p.m.)
The top five shows among 12-24s: 1. “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, Thursday, 9 p.m.); 2. “Family Guy” (Fox, Sunday 9 pm); 3. “Desperate Housewives” (ABC, Sunday 9 p.m.); 4. “American Dad” (Fox, Sunday 8:31 p.m.); 5. “Simpsons” (Fox, Sunday, 8 p.m.)
Cable shows making the top 30 among 18-24s: The only cable show in the top 30 was VHI’s “Flavor of Love 2,” in 26th place.
|
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
Adults 18-49
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
|
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
GREY'S ANATOMY |
ABC |
11.0 |
14.39 |
|
2 |
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES |
ABC |
9.6 |
12.57 |
|
3 |
CSI |
CBS |
7.7 |
10.08 |
|
4 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-NATIONAL |
FOX |
7.6 |
9.91 |
|
5 |
E.R. |
NBC |
6.8 |
8.87 |
|
6 |
SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS |
CBS |
6.5 |
8.43 |
|
7 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
6.4 |
8.33 |
|
8 |
NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL |
NBC |
6.1 |
7.95 |
|
9 |
BROTHERS & SISTERS |
ABC |
6.1 |
7.90 |
|
10 |
HOUSE |
FOX |
5.9 |
7.70 |
|
11 |
CBS NFL SINGLE |
CBS |
5.9 |
7.65 |
|
12 |
CSI: MIAMI |
CBS |
5.8 |
7.60 |
|
13 |
NFL REGULAR SEASON |
ESPN |
5.5 |
7.11 |
|
14 |
SIX DEGREES |
ABC |
5.4 |
7.06 |
|
15 |
DANCING WITH THE STARS |
ABC |
5.2 |
6.79 |
|
16 |
LAW AND ORDER:SVU |
NBC |
5.2 |
6.78 |
|
17 |
STUDIO 60 |
NBC |
5.0 |
6.54 |
|
18 |
TWO AND A HALF MEN |
CBS |
5.0 |
6.51 |
|
19 |
GREY'S ANATOMY SP |
ABC |
5.0 |
6.50 |
|
20 |
DEAL OR NO DEAL-MON |
NBC |
5.0 |
6.49 |
|
21 |
CSI: NY |
CBS |
5.0 |
6.48 |
|
22 |
WITHOUT A TRACE |
CBS |
4.8 |
6.28 |
|
23 |
SIMPSONS |
FOX |
4.8 |
6.24 |
|
24 |
FAMILY GUY |
FOX |
4.7 |
6.19 |
|
25 |
CRIMINAL MINDS |
CBS |
4.5 |
5.88 |
|
26 |
AMERICAN DAD |
FOX |
4.3 |
5.63 |
|
27 |
OFFICE |
NBC |
4.3 |
5.61 |
|
28 |
SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK |
NBC |
4.2 |
5.47 |
|
29 |
OLD CHRISTINE |
CBS |
4.2 |
5.45 |
|
30 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-REGIONAL |
FOX |
4.2 |
5.44 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
|
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
Adults 18-34
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
Rank |
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
GREY'S ANATOMY |
ABC |
10.7 |
7.12 |
|
2 |
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES |
ABC |
8.2 |
5.45 |
|
3 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-NATIONAL |
FOX |
7.1 |
4.71 |
|
4 |
FAMILY GUY |
FOX |
6.3 |
4.17 |
|
5 |
E.R. |
NBC |
5.9 |
3.91 |
|
6 |
CSI |
CBS |
5.7 |
3.79 |
|
7 |
CBS NFL SINGLE |
CBS |
5.5 |
3.70 |
|
8 |
HOUSE |
FOX |
5.4 |
3.58 |
|
9 |
AMERICAN DAD |
FOX |
5.3 |
3.56 |
|
10 |
SIMPSONS |
FOX |
5.2 |
3.49 |
|
11 |
SIX DEGREES |
ABC |
5.2 |
3.48 |
|
12 |
NFL REGULAR SEASON |
ESPN |
5.2 |
3.45 |
|
13 |
NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL |
NBC |
5.0 |
3.36 |
|
14 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
5.0 |
3.35 |
|
15 |
BROTHERS & SISTERS |
ABC |
4.8 |
3.18 |
|
16 |
OFFICE |
NBC |
4.7 |
3.14 |
|
17 |
SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS |
CBS |
4.6 |
3.03 |
|
18 |
GREY'S ANATOMY SP |
ABC |
4.5 |
3.02 |
|
19 |
WAR AT HOME |
FOX |
4.3 |
2.87 |
|
20 |
DANCING WITH THE STARS |
ABC |
4.2 |
2.81 |
|
21 |
LAW AND ORDER:SVU |
NBC |
4.2 |
2.78 |
|
22 |
PRISON BREAK |
FOX |
4.1 |
2.75 |
|
23 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-REGIONAL |
FOX |
4.1 |
2.75 |
|
24 |
CSI: MIAMI |
CBS |
4.0 |
2.68 |
|
25 |
STUDIO 60 |
NBC |
4.0 |
2.64 |
|
26 |
DEAL OR NO DEAL-MON |
NBC |
3.9 |
2.63 |
|
27 |
WIFE SWAP SP |
ABC |
3.7 |
2.48 |
|
28 |
NBC NFL SUNDAY POST |
NBC |
3.7 |
2.44 |
|
29 |
OT, THE |
FOX |
3.7 |
2.43 |
|
30 |
TWO AND A HALF MEN |
CBS |
3.5 |
2.30 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
Adults 18-24
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
Rank |
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
GREY'S ANATOMY |
ABC |
9.0 |
2.56 |
|
2 |
FAMILY GUY |
FOX |
6.7 |
1.90 |
|
3 |
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES |
ABC |
6.0 |
1.70 |
|
4 |
AMERICAN DAD |
FOX |
5.6 |
1.58 |
|
5 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-NATIONAL |
FOX |
5.0 |
1.43 |
|
6 |
SIMPSONS |
FOX |
4.9 |
1.39 |
|
7 |
SIX DEGREES |
ABC |
4.9 |
1.38 |
|
8 |
WAR AT HOME |
FOX |
4.4 |
1.25 |
|
9 |
HOUSE |
FOX |
4.1 |
1.17 |
|
10 |
GREY'S ANATOMY SP |
ABC |
4.0 |
1.14 |
|
11 |
CBS NFL SINGLE |
CBS |
3.9 |
1.10 |
|
12 |
PRISON BREAK |
FOX |
3.7 |
1.06 |
|
13 |
NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL |
NBC |
3.6 |
1.03 |
|
14 |
NFL REGULAR SEASON |
ESPN |
3.6 |
1.02 |
|
15 |
CSI |
CBS |
3.5 |
0.99 |
|
16 |
E.R. |
NBC |
3.4 |
0.96 |
|
17 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
3.3 |
0.93 |
|
18 |
OFFICE |
NBC |
3.1 |
0.87 |
|
19 |
BROTHERS & SISTERS |
ABC |
3.1 |
0.87 |
|
20 |
AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL |
CW |
3.0 |
0.85 |
|
21 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-REGIONAL |
FOX |
2.9 |
0.83 |
|
22 |
DANCING WITH THE STARS |
ABC |
2.9 |
0.81 |
|
23 |
NBC NFL SUNDAY POST |
NBC |
2.7 |
0.78 |
|
24 |
WIFE SWAP SP |
ABC |
2.7 |
0.77 |
|
25 |
SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS |
CBS |
2.7 |
0.77 |
|
26 |
FLAVOR OF LOVE 2 |
VH1 |
2.7 |
0.76 |
|
27 |
DEAL OR NO DEAL-MON |
NBC |
2.6 |
0.73 |
|
28 |
COPS 2 |
FOX |
2.5 |
0.72 |
|
29 |
STANDOFF |
FOX |
2.4 |
0.68 |
|
30 |
LAW AND ORDER:SVU |
NBC |
2.4 |
0.68 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
People 12-24
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
Rank |
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
GREY'S ANATOMY |
ABC |
7.3 |
3.90 |
|
2 |
FAMILY GUY |
FOX |
6.4 |
3.39 |
|
3 |
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES |
ABC |
6.1 |
3.27 |
|
4 |
AMERICAN DAD |
FOX |
4.8 |
2.57 |
|
5 |
SIMPSONS |
FOX |
4.4 |
2.32 |
|
6 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-NATIONAL |
FOX |
4.1 |
2.20 |
|
7 |
WAR AT HOME |
FOX |
4.1 |
2.18 |
|
8 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
4.0 |
2.11 |
|
9 |
HOUSE |
FOX |
3.9 |
2.10 |
|
10 |
SIX DEGREES |
ABC |
3.8 |
2.00 |
|
11 |
CSI |
CBS |
3.5 |
1.87 |
|
12 |
GREY'S ANATOMY SP |
ABC |
3.3 |
1.78 |
|
13 |
CBS NFL SINGLE |
CBS |
3.3 |
1.74 |
|
14 |
NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL |
NBC |
3.2 |
1.71 |
|
15 |
PRISON BREAK |
FOX |
3.1 |
1.66 |
|
16 |
SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS |
CBS |
3.1 |
1.65 |
|
17 |
AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL |
CW |
3.0 |
1.59 |
|
18 |
NFL REGULAR SEASON |
ESPN |
2.9 |
1.55 |
|
19 |
E.R. |
NBC |
2.9 |
1.53 |
|
20 |
BROTHERS & SISTERS |
ABC |
2.9 |
1.52 |
|
21 |
WIFE SWAP SP |
ABC |
2.8 |
1.48 |
|
22 |
DANCING WITH THE STARS |
ABC |
2.7 |
1.42 |
|
23 |
FLAVOR OF LOVE 2 |
VH1 |
2.6 |
1.39 |
|
24 |
DEAL OR NO DEAL-MON |
NBC |
2.5 |
1.33 |
|
25 |
OFFICE |
NBC |
2.5 |
1.32 |
|
26 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-REGIONAL |
FOX |
2.4 |
1.28 |
|
27 |
WWE ENTERTAINMENT |
USA |
2.3 |
1.23 |
|
28 |
CSI: MIAMI |
CBS |
2.3 |
1.23 |
|
29 |
LAGUNA BEACH |
MTV |
2.3 |
1.22 |
|
30 |
NBC NFL SUNDAY POST |
NBC |
2.3 |
1.22 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
Teens 12-17
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
Rank |
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES |
ABC |
6.3 |
1.57 |
|
2 |
FAMILY GUY |
FOX |
6.0 |
1.49 |
|
3 |
GREY'S ANATOMY |
ABC |
5.4 |
1.34 |
|
4 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
4.8 |
1.18 |
|
5 |
AMERICAN DAD |
FOX |
4.0 |
0.99 |
|
6 |
SIMPSONS |
FOX |
3.8 |
0.93 |
|
7 |
HOUSE |
FOX |
3.7 |
0.93 |
|
8 |
WAR AT HOME |
FOX |
3.7 |
0.92 |
|
9 |
SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS |
CBS |
3.6 |
0.88 |
|
10 |
CSI |
CBS |
3.5 |
0.87 |
|
11 |
ZOEY 101 |
NICK |
3.4 |
0.85 |
|
12 |
FOX NFL SUNDAY-NATIONAL |
FOX |
3.1 |
0.77 |
|
13 |
AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL |
CW |
3.0 |
0.74 |
|
14 |
WIFE SWAP SP |
ABC |
2.9 |
0.71 |
|
15 |
WWE ENTERTAINMENT |
USA |
2.8 |
0.70 |
|
16 |
NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL |
NBC |
2.7 |
0.68 |
|
17 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
2.7 |
0.67 |
|
18 |
LAGUNA BEACH |
MTV |
2.6 |
0.65 |
|
19 |
BROTHERS & SISTERS |
ABC |
2.6 |
0.65 |
|
20 |
GREY'S ANATOMY SP |
ABC |
2.6 |
0.64 |
|
21 |
CBS NFL SINGLE |
CBS |
2.6 |
0.64 |
|
21 |
NICK CANNONS WILD & OUT |
MTV |
2.6 |
0.64 |
|
23 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
2.5 |
0.63 |
|
24 |
WWE ENTERTAINMENT |
USA |
2.5 |
0.63 |
|
25 |
FLAVOR OF LOVE 2 |
VH1 |
2.5 |
0.63 |
|
26 |
SIX DEGREES |
ABC |
2.5 |
0.62 |
|
27 |
UNFABULOUS |
NICK |
2.5 |
0.61 |
|
27 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
2.5 |
0.61 |
|
29 |
DANCING WITH THE STARS |
ABC |
2.5 |
0.61 |
|
30 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
2.5 |
0.61 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
|
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
Kids 9-14
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
Rank |
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
ZOEY 101 |
NICK |
7.4 |
1.81 |
|
2 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
6.2 |
1.51 |
|
3 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
5.1 |
1.25 |
|
4 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
5.0 |
1.23 |
|
5 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
4.9 |
1.21 |
|
6 |
UNFABULOUS |
NICK |
4.8 |
1.18 |
|
6 |
FAMILY GUY |
FOX |
4.6 |
1.13 |
|
8 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
4.5 |
1.11 |
|
9 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
4.3 |
1.04 |
|
9 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
4.2 |
1.02 |
|
11 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
4.1 |
1.01 |
|
12 |
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES |
ABC |
4.0 |
0.98 |
|
13 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
3.9 |
0.96 |
|
14 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
3.9 |
0.95 |
|
15 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
3.8 |
0.94 |
|
16 |
SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS |
CBS |
3.8 |
0.93 |
|
17 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.8 |
0.93 |
|
17 |
MR MEATY |
NICK |
3.7 |
0.91 |
|
19 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
3.6 |
0.89 |
|
20 |
MR MEATY |
NICK |
3.6 |
0.87 |
|
21 |
ZOEY 101 |
NICK |
3.5 |
0.86 |
|
21 |
JIMMY NEUTRON |
NICK |
3.4 |
0.84 |
|
23 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
3.4 |
0.84 |
|
24 |
NARUTO |
TOON |
3.4 |
0.83 |
|
25 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
3.4 |
0.82 |
|
25 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
3.4 |
0.82 |
|
27 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.2 |
0.78 |
|
28 |
SIMPSONS |
FOX |
3.2 |
0.78 |
|
29 |
ZOEY 101 |
NICK |
3.1 |
0.77 |
|
30 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.1 |
0.77 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
|
TOP 30 PROGRAMS - BROADCAST & BASIC CABLE TV
Kids 2-11
Week Ended Sept. 24, 2006 |
|
Rank |
Program |
Net |
Rtg% |
In Millions |
|
1 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
5.5 |
2.21 |
|
2 |
JIMMY NEUTRON |
NICK |
5.0 |
2.01 |
|
3 |
ZOEY 101 |
NICK |
4.9 |
1.95 |
|
4 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
4.7 |
1.88 |
|
5 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
4.6 |
1.85 |
|
6 |
MR MEATY |
NICK |
4.6 |
1.84 |
|
7 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
4.6 |
1.83 |
|
8 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
4.6 |
1.83 |
|
9 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
4.5 |
1.82 |
|
10 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
4.5 |
1.78 |
|
11 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
4.4 |
1.77 |
|
12 |
NED DECLASSIFIED |
NICK |
4.4 |
1.77 |
|
13 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
4.4 |
1.76 |
|
14 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
4.3 |
1.72 |
|
15 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
4.3 |
1.71 |
|
16 |
JIMMY NEUTRON |
NICK |
4.2 |
1.68 |
|
17 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
4.2 |
1.68 |
|
18 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
4.1 |
1.66 |
|
19 |
EXTREME MAKEOVER:HOME ED. |
ABC |
4.1 |
1.65 |
|
20 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
4.0 |
1.61 |
|
21 |
JIMMY NEUTRON |
NICK |
4.0 |
1.60 |
|
22 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
3.9 |
1.57 |
|
23 |
FAIRLY ODD PARENTS |
NICK |
3.9 |
1.57 |
|
24 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
3.9 |
1.55 |
|
25 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.8 |
1.53 |
|
26 |
SPONGEBOB |
NICK |
3.8 |
1.53 |
|
27 |
AVATAR |
NICK |
3.8 |
1.51 |
|
28 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.6 |
1.46 |
|
29 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.6 |
1.43 |
|
29 |
DRAKE & JOSH |
NICK |
3.6 |
1.42 |
|
Source: MTV Networks, based on data from Nielsen Media Research |
