View Full Version : The Big Bang Theory is a summer hit, proves sitcoms are not dead


Mr. Television
07-15-2009, 09:04 PM
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Broadcastrecap_64/Summer_s_surprise_Big_Bang_Theory.asp

Summer's surprise:
'Big Bang Theory'

Pulling big ratings following 'Two and a Half Men'

By Kevin Downey
Jul 15, 2009



CBS has a long history of quietly churning out shows that don't get much respect, certainly not if media coverage and gossip columns are any measure, but nonetheless turn into long-running hits.

Shows like “NCIS” and “JAG” come to mind.

Still, probably no one saw this coming: CBS’s sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” about a group of nerdy guys and a hot girl, is turning into a bona fide hit in repeats this summer, holding onto virtually the entire audience in most demographics of its lead-in “Two and a Half Men,” last season’s No. 1 comedy on television.

In fact, a repeat last week ranked No. 6 among all primetime shows in adults 18-49, trailing only two episodes each of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” ABC’s “Wipeout” was No. 5.

“Bang” pulled a 2.8 rating in the demographic, tied with “Two and a Half Men” but slightly outperforming that show in total viewers in the demographic.

“Bang” also outperformed higher-profile summer originals last week, including ABC’s “The Bachelorette” and the season premiere of CBS’s reality stalwart “Big Brother.”

“Bang’s” strong performance bodes well for the show and CBS’s Monday comedy block this fall.

Beginning Sept. 21, “Bang” kicks off its third season on Mondays at 9:30 p.m., following “Men.”

So far this summer, it’s holding onto 85 percent of “Men’s” total audience, 96 percent of its 18-49 rating and 100 percent of its 18-34 rating.

robyrob
07-15-2009, 09:53 PM
one thing that is probably helping is that the show is highly rewatchable; you rewatch each episode a couple of times and still get a lot out of it

R.jsheedy
07-15-2009, 10:31 PM
I can see this show sticking to CBS for a LONG TIME!!!!!!!!!

Superbowl
07-15-2009, 11:25 PM
Just to follow up this article, The Big Bang Theory retained 100% of the Two and and Half Men 18-49 demo again this week, and held 90% of the Two and a Half Men total viewers. The ratings have been amazing this summer, which really bodes well for the Fall. No CBS sitcom has steadily held more than 75-80% of the Two and a Half Men lead in in quite some time. This show is about to become a huge hit. :)