TV Hot Spot: Ratings

Friday 22nd Dec. Ratings: NBC Has a Winning Friday Night 'Identity'

Post by: Sal

LOS ANGELES -- Even though it only won one hour of primetime, NBC took Friday night among households with a 4.9 rating/9 share. ABC came in second with a 4.7/9 to CBS' 4.4/8. The CW mustered a 2.9/5, enough to beat FOX's paltry 2.8/5.

NBC also came out on top among 18 to 49-year-olds with a 2.3 to ABC's 1.8. The CW rose to third in the demo with a 1.7 to FOX's 1.6. Meanwhile, CBS seriously faltered with a 1.4.

The evening began with things going NBC's way as the final episode of "Identity's" initial run brought in a 5.0/9 for the hour. ABC started off the night with "America's Funniest Home Videos," while CBS aired the "8th Annual Home for the Holidays" special, 3.8/7. There was enough "Justice" for FOX, 3.0/5, to beat the first hour of The CW's "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.8/5.

At 9 p.m., CBS had a brief glimpse at the top with a "Close to Home" repeat, 5.1/9. NBC slipped to second with a reairing of "1 vs. 100," 4.8/9 and ABC came in third with the first part of Barbara Walters special about "Heaven," 4.6/8. Things heated up in the wrestling ring, giving The CW the advantage over FOX's "Trading Spouses," 2.7/5, for the hour.

ABC saw divine ratings at 10 p.m. with viewership picking up for the "Heaven" special, to the tune of a 5.2/9 for the hour. NBC maintained second with "Law & Order's" 4.8/9, while CBS was back in third with "Numb3rs," 4.5/8.

Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.