With most of the show having premiered and/or had multiple showings, it looks like we can see what is hot and what is not, and who could/should winn the ratings race.
CBS is still king. ABC is going strong, but for how long. NBC struggles and FOX is waiting for January.
CBS is stillpulling in the raitings in almost all its spots. It really only had 2 hours that under performed last year and one of those, Jericho, has filled in nicely. Smith (Better than its fate) is still theonly hole in the schedule. 1 hour out of 22. Not a bad place to be in.
ABC, dispite it early gains, should be up from last year, but I don't see it being a lot. The move of G.A. top Thursdays has bumped the ratings, but a void is now on 10pm Sundays. Ugly Betty may be the only major hit on there schedule. Dancing with the stars is a ratings cow, but once its done in 6-8 weeks, what will fil the void for the next 5-6 months? Lost is declining fast. Desperate is not what it once was.
ABC should finish 2nd again, but, as last year, will fade after new years.
NBC's only bright spot in the new season seems to be Heros. L&O keeps it stable. Deal or no Deal will grow old soon. I wouldn't be suprised if they drop to #4 over all by May.
Fox has a couple of bright lights. Bones is doing well. Prison Break is holding its own. But no new shows have hit the mark yet. They still cant schedule Thursday - Saturday and are lost in the Sunday mix. If they had been smart and moved the Simpsons and another animated show to 8pm Thursday, they would be in better shape.
But, FOX's strong point is Jan - May. Don't be suprised if American Idol is Wed & Thurs. 24 Will still be strong and if, and this is a big if, Bones can bring the audience to Fridays, that could fill a BIG hole.
Novemebr should be very interesting.
