CBS Wins First Week of New 2010-11 TV Season

Thanks to strong premieres by Hawaii Five-O and Blue Bloods and the return of Big Bang Theory, CBS won the first week of the TV season in viewers (12.5 million) and adults 18-49 (3.3 rating/10 share). CBS had 13 of the top 20 shows among viewers and adults for the week ending September 26th, more than on any other network. Hawaii Five-O (14.2 million) currently stands as the most-watched new program in viewers while $#*! My Dad Says is the No. 1 new comedy among adults 18-49 (4.0 rating). Each 18-49 ratings point represents 1.31 million viewers.

CBS won five nights of the week in viewers (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and three nights among adults 18-49 – more than any other network. The network is also up 6% in viewers, 3% in adults 18-49 and 10% among adults 18-34 versus the same period last year.

ABC finished second for the week in viewers (9.58 million), followed by NBC (8.15 million) and Fox (6.52 million). NBC and ABC tied for second place among adults 18-49 (2.8/8), while Fox came in third (2.6/7). Fox won the week among adults 18-34 with a 2.6/8.

Given how DVR usage by TV watchers is at 38% right now – up from 33% from last fall – the networks expect the playback rate to have an impact on ratings beyond same-day viewing. The results won’t be available for another week, however, so stay tuned to find out just how many of you delayed viewing of, say, Lone Star or The Event.