Ratings: American Idol Cues Up 33.24 Million

American Idol contestant, Ben Haar by Michael Becker/Fox The two-hour season premiere of American Idol delivered 33.24 million total viewers — trouncing the combined audiences of all network competition — and serving up a melodious 13.78 rating in key demos. That said, Idol was down 11 percent from Season 6's premiere night. Among the casualties of the crooning Cain Marko: • NCIS put up a respectful 15.9 mil, but was down 1.16 mil from its last new episode (Nov. 27). • Biggest Loser (7.2 mil) was down 29 percent. • Comanche Moon (12.34 mil) dropped 20 percent from its first night. • One Tree Hill (2.74 mil) was off 21 percent. Come 10 pm, the back end of CBS' Moon edged out SVU (12.14 mil) in total viewers, though (of course) not in the demos. And Boston Legal (7.9 mil) was in fact up a quarter-mil from its last fresh eppy (Dec. 18). Related: • NFL Playoffs Score Monster Ratings *More Idol* coverage (because there always will be):** • Read Nina's recap of the first auditions. • See what Matt Roush and Cheers & Jeers have to say about the debut. • Idol Advertisers Pay Much More Dough-Re-Mi Leave a Comment
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Posted by TV Guide Staff Jan 16, 2008 11:42 AM Report Abuse

just goes to show tv is heading in a downward spin thanks to the wonderful strike. i for one havent watched american idol and will never watch it. oh and where do they come up with the numbers.
Posted by smkbrad Jan 16, 2008 12:21 PM Report Abuse

American Idol is the King of primetime television. I may not be one of them anymore but people absolutely LOVE this show and are blind to how much of a joke it has become
Posted by 525600min Jan 16, 2008 12:38 PM Report Abuse

The high ratings have NOTHING to do with the writters stike!! The show would have pulled in these numbers no matter what was up against it!! Thank goodness for tivo though because having to chose between AI and The Biggest Loser would have been too difficult!!
Posted by MrsT1040 Jan 16, 2008 12:43 PM Report Abuse

It just shows how many people like to watch other people be humiliated. It's like a real life cartoon only the animated characters are alive, and have no concept of how ridiculous they sound. What a legacy they leave.
Posted by marcilynnj Jan 16, 2008 12:45 PM Report Abuse

yeah for NCIS, but i believe that was the season finale
Posted by mick jagger Jan 16, 2008 12:49 PM Report Abuse

Among the casualties of the crooning Cain Marko Nice. The comic book geek in me is kicking my butt for having to Google that reference. I was never much of an old school Marvel girl though.
Posted by olomaya Jan 16, 2008 1:02 PM Report Abuse

I don't think it necessarily has anything to do with the strike either. American Idol always blows other shows out of the water. It probably will gain some more viewers out of this, but it won't be all from that. I enjoy watching the show for sheer entertainment purposes and I don't see anything wrong with that. I definately don't take it too seriously. I have my good quality shows that I watch, but sometimes I like a little reality fun.

Posted by footballfran

Jan 16, 2008 1:53 PM

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American Idol is part of the American fabric.It's as much as American as baseball and apple pie. I hated having to miss Biggest Loser,but AI is priority #1. Come back writers...I miss 24!
Posted by capman Jan 16, 2008 2:36 PM Report Abuse

solid comic book reference
Posted by greggggg Jan 16, 2008 2:53 PM Report Abuse

In some areas One Tree Hill was not shown because of stupid basketball!! As was the case in my area. Can some one please explain to me what the attraction is to "Idol"? I don't get it. I really HATE that show!!!
Posted by kelel21220 Jan 16, 2008 3:10 PM Report Abuse

American Idol is part of the American fabric.It's as much as American as baseball and apple pie. That is the funniest and dumbest thing I have ever heard!!
Posted by kelel21220 Jan 16, 2008 3:23 PM Report Abuse

Can some one please explain to me what the attraction is to "Idol"? I don't get it. I really HATE that show!!! I have yet to understand it...These singers are horrible and only two have been successful. I'm just happy AI is DOWN 11%!!! Hopefully next week it will be DOWN another 10%!!!
Posted by karaleefan Jan 16, 2008 3:33 PM Report Abuse

I never understood this- if you don't like a show, don't watch it! Why do you want the ratings to be down and/or canceled when there are many other people out there that enjoy it? I understand that American Idol can be annoying to a lot of people, but there are those, like myself, who enjoy it and that's our right. There are many, many, MANY shows I can't stand (Grey's Anatomy, Nip/Tuck, Two and a Half Men, Brothers and Sisters, etc) but I would never want them to be canceled as there are obviously people who enjoy them. So I just don't turn on those shows! What's the big deal?

Posted by footballfran

Jan 16, 2008 3:42 PM

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I am so glad more Americans are tuning out this stupid show!!! Wake up Americans! instead of voting for these stars-want-to-be, we should focus on the presidential race!!!
Posted by john_c11 Jan 16, 2008 6:11 PM Report Abuse

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