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TV This Week

Much talk, less walk for ‘The X Factor’

By Toni Fitzgerald

December 13, 2012

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Next week “The X Factor” will declare its second-season winner. But creator and judge Simon Cowell is clearly the second-season loser.

The show, which airs an elimination episode cutting the finalists to three tonight at 8 p.m., once again failed to live up to preseason expectations.

“Factor” is not a disaster. It’s still Fox’s top-rated show in a limp fall season.

But “Factor” is a disappointment. It’s clear now that the show will never achieve the numbers Cowell promised based on the hype that surrounded its launch last year and its subsequent overhaul going into season two.

Cowell booted judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger along with host Steve Jones. Then he tried to amp up viewer interest by adding to the judging panel Britney Spears and Demi Lovato, both better known for their personal problems than their singing.

The strategy backfired. Ratings fell.

“Factor” has averaged a 3.1 in adults 18-49 on Wednesdays, according to Nielsen, down 18 percent from a 3.8 last fall. The Thursday episode is off even more, 24 percent, from a 3.7 to a 2.8.

Fox has already renewed “Factor” for a third season next fall. With this one losing steam (last week’s episodes managed just a 2.8 and 2.5), one has to wonder what Cowell will do to gin up interest next year.

A look at this week's top TV draws
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
Time	Network	Program	Description
8 p.m.	CBS	"The Big Bang Theory" (C)	The fall finale is an episode titled "The Santa Simulation."
8 p.m.	Fox	"The X Factor" (R)	Elimination episode will cut the field down to three.
8 p.m.	CW	"The Vampire Diaries" (D)	A dangerous situation breaks out at a winter-themed party.
8:20 p.m.	NFL Network	"NFL Football" (S)	The Bengals try to keep their playoff prospects alive against the Eagles.
9 p.m.	ABC	"Grey's Anatomy" (D)	Richard helps calm Bailey, who is nervous about the wedding.
10 p.m.	MTV	"Jersey Shore" (R)	Mike tells the housemates about a secret from his past.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Time	Network	Program	Description
8 p.m.	ABC	"Last Man Standing" (C)	Mike attempts to get rid of the kids for Christmas so Vanessa can relax.
8 p.m.	Disney Channel	"Disney's A Christmas Carol" (K)	The 2009 movie starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge.
9 p.m.	Fox	"Fringe" (D)	Walter tries LSD in an attempt jolt his memory.
9 p.m.	FX	"UFC Fight Night" (S)	A number of fights, with the main event a lightweight bout between George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson.
10 p.m.	Bravo	"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" (R)	Latest episode incorporates various social media elements.
10 p.m.	Science	"Unearthing Ancient Secrets" (N)	Asking and answering questions about Christopher Columbus
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Time	Network	Program	Description
2 p.m.	CBS	"College Basketball" (S)	Good nonconference matchup between Butler and Indiana.
4 p.m.	NBC	"Golf" (S)	Eighteen father-son teams compete in a challenge in Orlando.
4:30 p.m.	CBS	"Boxing" (S)	What is this, the 1970s? A championship bout on network TV on a Saturday afternoon, this between bantamweights Leo Santa Cruz and Alberto Guevara.
8 p.m.	Fox	"Cops" (R)	Season premiere. Cops in Toledo respond to a domestic disturbance call.
9 p.m.	FX	"The Ultimate Fighter" (R)	Season finale. The two finalists fight for the UFC contract, live from Las Vegas.
11:30 p.m.	NBC	"Saturday Night Live" (C)	Martin Short hosts, with musical guest Paul McCartney.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Time	Network	Program	Description
8 p.m.	Fox	"The Simpsons" (C)	Homer loses Santa's Little Helper, which causes Grandpa to recall the story of Homer's childhood dog.
8:20 p.m.	NBC	"Sunday Night Football" (S)	Super Bowl preview? The 49ers take on the Patriots.
8:30 p.m.	CBS	"Survivor" (R)	Season finale. The jury questions the finalists before they select this season's winner.
9 p.m.	ABC	"The Bachelorette: Ashley and J.P.'s Wedding" (R)	Chris Harrison hosts the wedding between Ashley and J.P. from the 2011 "Bachelorette" season.
9 p.m.	Fox	"Family Guy" (C)	Peter tells his own version of the story of Christmas.
10 p.m.	Showtime	"Homeland" (D)	Season finale. Carrie has to make a big decision, while Saul starts a secret mission.
A = awards show or special, C = comedy, D = drama, DD = daytime drama, G = game show, K = kids, M = movie, N = news/documentary, R = reality, S = sports, T = talk/variety show.