Ratings Slaughter

Friday, May 11, 2007 -

The bad news for the big 4 networks (and advertisers) is that we're starting to see the beginning of a downward trend across the board -- at least for this week anyway.

ABC's Lost, Fox's American Idol (though they can afford it), and NBC's Heroes -- tentpole shows every one -- saw a drop in ratings thus far this week. With Thursday's numbers in, The Hollywood Reporter says that Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, CSI, and Survivor are hitting new lows.

It was the first time on a Thursday that the ABC drama didn't hit 20 million viewers. "CSI" was down 24% against its season average and was the lowest it had ever done in viewership as a Thursday original. It was also a low for a Thursday in adults 18-49 since Feb. 1, 2001.

NBC is so out of the game that they don't even know what the hell is going on anymore. My question from yesterday stands: Are people simply watching less TV with summer rolling in?

IGN holds out rumors concerning the origin of The Joker that may play into the plot of Batman: The Dark Knight.
Despite word that Battlestar Galactica will be off the air in a year, it's still winning awards along side Heroes.
Collider has a video interview with writer/director Dean Devlin, talking up the Stargate franchise. There's also a dig with Bryan Singer.
NBC has axed Crossing Jordan.
Motorola wants you to watch full-length feature films...on your cell phone.
IGN has new pictures from Pirates 3.
The Office will have 24 episodes next season, plus 4 hour-long specials.
Malcolm McDowell has signed up for Rob Zombies remake of Halloween. Wow, that was dumb.