Every major network - ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox - dropped in their first week of fall TV viewership over last year. That can't make the powers-that-be feel good.
While some in the industry point to the DVR as being a key reason, it is in no way the only reason. That will start to sound like an excuse if that's all that dropping viewership is attributed to.
Even so, ABC (DIS) won the overall ratings for the first week of the new season, led by "Grey's Anatomy" and newcomer "Private Practice," a spinoff from the medical drama. "Dancing with the Stars" also performed well for the network.
In the key 18-49 demo, they tied with NBC (GE) which was aided by the new rule that they can count two airings as one if viewed in the same week and includes the same advertising.
While helped the Peacock to a tie, they did get a good rating in the key demo with their reintroduction of "Bionic Woman," which was the No. 1 new show in the 18-49 group.
The largest total viewership was won by CBS (CBS-A) hit "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
Fox (NWS-A) as usual for this time of the year, didn't make much of an impact, although last year they said they were going to attempt to compete more at this time of year.
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