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Television Ratings March 16 - 22 | Pajiba - Scathing Reviews for Bitchy People

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The Most Popular Shows in America -- God, How Depressing

Television Ratings March 16 - 22 / Dustin Rowles

Trade News | March 26, 2009 | Comments (90)

We’ve never actually posted a full list of television ratings here on Pajiba, and I don’t know how many of you actually keep up with such things. I follow them fairly regularly, but I’m nevertheless always astonished at how few shows in the top 20 are actually on my radar. It’s fun to spend a few minutes scratching your head, so here was the Top 20 Shows for the week of March 16 - 22 (season to date rankings are in parenthesis).

1. (1) “American Idol” (Wednesday), Fox, 23.71 million viewers.
2. (2) “American Idol” (Tuesday), Fox, 21.89 million viewers.
3. (3) “Dancing With The Stars” (Monday), ABC, 21.22 million viewers.
4. (10) “60 Minutes,” CBS, 17.04 million viewers.
5. (5) “NCIS,” CBS, 15.84 million viewers.
6. (8) “The Mentalist,” CBS, 15.49 million viewers.
7. (9) “Desperate Housewives,” ABC, 14.75 million viewers.
8. (13) “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC, 14.61 million viewers.
9. (11) “Two and a Half Men,” CBS, 14.12 million viewers.
10. (11) “Criminal Minds,” CBS, 13.74 million viewers.
11. (14) “CSI: Miami,” CBS, 13.61 million viewers.
12. (18) “House,” Fox, 13.13 million viewers.
13. (16) “CSI: NY,” CBS, 12.79 million viewers.
14. (5) “Dancing With The Stars” (Tuesday), ABC, 12.74 million viewers.
15. (31) “Amazing Race 14,” CBS, 12.42 million viewers.
16. (19) “Without a Trace,” CBS, 11.87 million viewers.
17. (25) “Rules Of Engagement,” CBS, 11.42 million viewers.
18. (21) “Cold Case,” CBS, 11.41 million viewers.
19. (19) “24,” Fox, 11.36 million viewers.
20. (28) “Castle,” ABC, 10.96 million viewers.

Of the top 20 shows of last week, I saw exactly one (“Amazing Race”), and I have mixed feelings about “Castle’s” entry into the top 20. Terrible show, but good for Nathan Fillion. Unfortunately, if it keeps doing well, he’s going to be stuck on that show for years. I also didn’t realize that people were still watching “24.” The ratings for “Two and a Half Men”: Depressing. And Jesus: How many CBS procedurals are in the top 20? Ridiculous.

The top 20 among the prized demographic (18-49) is a little less depressing, in that it at least includes “Lost,” “The Office,” and “How I Met Your Mother.”

1. American Idol (Wed.) Fox
2. American Idol (Tues.) Fox
3. Dancing With the Stars ABC
4. Grey’s Anatomy ABC
5. Desperate Housewives ABC
6. House Fox
7. Two and a Half Men CBS
8. Lost ABC
9. The Office NBC
10. Rules of Engagement CBS
11. 60 Minutes CBS
12. How I Met Your Mother CBS
13. CSI: Miami CBS
14. NCAA Basketball CBS
15. Family Guy Fox
16. Big Bang Theory CBS
17. 24 Fox
18. The Amazing Race CBS
19. Private Practice ABC
20. Law & Order:SVU NBC 4.6

Finally, here are the top 15 shows last week on cable — it’s just a bunch of wrestling, “Spongebog Squarepants,” and “NCIS” reruns. What country do I live in, anyway?

1. “WWE Raw” (Monday, 10 p.m.), USA,
2. Movie: “Northern Lights” (Saturday, 9 p.m.), Lifetime
3. “WWE Raw” (Monday, 9 p.m.), USA
4. “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Saturday, 9:30 a.m.), Nickelodeon
5. “NCIS” (Saturday, 9 p.m.), USA
6. “Hannah Montana” (Sunday, 7:30 p.m.), Disney
6. “NCIS” (Monday, 7 p.m.), USA
8. “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Monday, 5:30 p.m.), Nickelodeon
9. “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Saturday, 9 a.m.), Nickelodeon
10. “NCIS” (Saturday, 8 p.m.), USA
11. “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Monday, 5 p.m.), Nickelodeon
12. “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Wednesday, 6 p.m.), Nickelodeon
13. “NCIS” (Saturday, 10 p.m.), USA
14. “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Thursday, 5:30 p.m.), Nickelodeon
15. “NCIS” (Tuesday, 7 p.m.), USA


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Comments

Hey, don't knock SpongeBob - he's the best thing on cable! :-) Otherwise, you're right on.

Posted by: Marilee at March 26, 2009 9:27 PM

*snort*

I don't watch ANY of the shows on that first list. Not a single damn one. And I am a better person for it. Not even Fillion can make me sit through another episode of Castle.

There needs to be an NCIS case involving Spongebob Squarepants caught in an accidental murder on WWE.

And for the love of everything holy, someone explain to me HOW 'Two and a Half Men' is still on? What sad excuse of a human being watches that turd?

Posted by: figgy at March 26, 2009 9:28 PM

I agree figgy, I don't know what happened to t.v., all of this reality bullshit has really fucked t.v. up. T.V. does not entertain me anymore unless it "Cathouse" or an episode of "Cops" when they have prostitution stings and I can pick out which on I'd fuck.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 9:34 PM

Terrible show, but good for Nathan Fillion.

And thankfully, the only show on that list I watch.

Posted by: Ciji at March 26, 2009 9:37 PM

I watch NCIS on USA every night when cooking dinner. I'm sorry.

Posted by: Steven Lloyd Wilson at March 26, 2009 9:57 PM

Well la de da.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 9:59 PM

Yuh, I'm watching Castle, at least for the time being. [damning with faint praise] It's not as brainless as most of TV. Some of the dialogue approaches clever.[/damning with faint praise]

I always mean to tune in to 60 Minutes and then forget.

House was sorta fun for about the first four episodes...How long has that thing been on the air, now?...Really? Wow.

The rest of that list could go dark forever for all I care. Except for the "Dancing With American Idol" things, all of which simply need to be eradicated from history.

Posted by: Jerce at March 26, 2009 10:00 PM

That shit is in the top 20 and I lose Life on Mars next week? Fuck American tv viewers.

Posted by: richmac at March 26, 2009 10:01 PM

yeah, i think my mom watches Two and a Half Men.

there's no accounting for taste. although she's recently discovered the sheer awesomeitude that is HIMYM, so there may be hope.

i don't watch any of the shows in the first list either, figgy. in fact, i don't really watch any of the shows on the second list either--i rarely get time to catch new HIMYM or House. sad.

Posted by: lizzieborden at March 26, 2009 10:02 PM

Pooks, you threatened by a man who can cook, or specifically a man who can cook and watch TV at the same time?

Posted by: general rhubarb at March 26, 2009 10:03 PM

I demand you take that back richmac!

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:04 PM

I ain't threatened by no salad eater. Him and his goat cheese, and his wine selection.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:06 PM

Ha! I actually am eating a salad right this instant. But if it makes you feel better, I've got steaks in the oven, be out in a minute.

Posted by: Steven Lloyd Wilson at March 26, 2009 10:12 PM

Ladies and gentlemen, I know my audience.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:13 PM

A confession: My dad watches Two and a Half Men and I beg him not to. He finds it hilarious and I don't know why. He loves The Office, 30 Rock & 24 but for some reason, that stupid show still appeals to him. But then I talk to other people I know and they, too, love it. I've watched the show, it's not original, the characters aren't likable and the plot never varies. I did blame him for Pushing Daisies, but he, like all others, were unrepentant.

You think you know the ones you love...

Posted by: Kayanne at March 26, 2009 10:15 PM

I was going to have a beer with my steak, but now, just for Pookie, I'm going to uncork a nice chianti. And yes, I do have goat cheese in the fridge. Chocolate goat cheese.

Posted by: Steven Lloyd Wilson at March 26, 2009 10:16 PM

Motherfuckin' salad, what are you trying to do Wilson, eat healthy?

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:16 PM

Take what back, it is valid. Life on Mars gets 15 episodes and Grey's Anatomy is on what, year 5? Geez something ground breaking like Soap would have never made it today.

Posted by: richmac at March 26, 2009 10:17 PM

You are so right richmac, times are a changing. That fucking fruit of The real world needs help.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:20 PM

Healthy? There's more blue cheese dressing and croutons on it than lettuce. But there's something green at the bottom, so it counts.

Posted by: Steven Lloyd Wilson at March 26, 2009 10:22 PM

Chocolate goat cheese, are you serious? I never heard of such a thing. My idea of fine dining is a restaurant that doesn't have plastic utinsils.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:24 PM

Cool, last person I want to step out of line with is you Pookie.

Posted by: richmac at March 26, 2009 10:25 PM

We only get 4 channels on my cheap Americorps TV, and I've discovered that you can watch 2 and Half Men just about any time of the day or night. It's like the Law and Order of broadcast. I'm think I'm developing Stockholm Syndrome towards it - I always hope the episode will involve the sassy redneck housekeeper or the ditsy slut girlfriend.

Posted by: Empress of All the Russias at March 26, 2009 10:31 PM

I do love criminal intent.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:34 PM

I'll confess to watching The Mentalist as often as is possible, if only because I have a massive crush on Simon Baker...Robin Tunney is generally pretty atrocious though. However, the rest of the cast makes her look like a regular Helen Mirren a la Prime Suspect.

Posted by: Smokin at March 26, 2009 10:35 PM

My little sister started off our last coversation with, "so last night on Two and a Half Men".....I haven't spoken to her since.

Posted by: Ashes at March 26, 2009 10:36 PM

what, no Dollhouse? I thought that show was doing so well!


and by "well" I mean "will be cancelled mid-episode"

Posted by: chayes at March 26, 2009 10:41 PM

Jim she's lying, she can take more than three fingers. Don't fall for that shit homie.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:43 PM

Confession: I don't like "How I Met Your Mother". In fact, I can't stand it. I tried. I try repeatedly to get into it, but just can't.

Posted by: figgy at March 26, 2009 10:43 PM

And yeah, Kayanne, every character on that show is just so repulsive. Just completely disgusting human beings. I can see people laughing at the lame, predictable lines, but everything else? Don't get it.

Posted by: figgy at March 26, 2009 10:46 PM

oh shit, sorry everybody, I was instant messaging with a friend and sent a message to the wrong place.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:46 PM

And for the love of everything holy, someone explain to me HOW 'Two and a Half Men' is still on? What sad excuse of a human being watches that turd?

Sooo...that would be me, then. I love a smutty comedy and they deliver every week.

Now talk to me about how much I HATE "American Idol".

Paula Abdul is the LEAST offensive aspect of AI. The auditions are a horrible abuse of barely-sentient humanity. The singers are the blandest and most whitebread (yes, Fantasia, too.) performers in popular entertainment history. (Yes, including Lawrence Welk.) The structure of the show forces them to eliminate anyone who is unique and interesting, so that the biggest tool always wins.

Note that only ONE winner of AI has EVER has a successful recording career - it's usually the runners-up that achieve some kind of success.

Oh, and my ex, who suffers under the delusion that I'm her friend, insists on calling me up to tell me about it, despite my protests.

But, you know, YourMileageMayVary.

Posted by: Meander at March 26, 2009 10:59 PM

Lawrence Welk, don’t get me started on Lawrence Welk. My mother loved herself some Lawrence Welk, when I was very young she would bathe my brother and I and put us in front of the t.v. to watch Welk in nothing but our underwear. I could feel Welk looking at my brother and I.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 11:07 PM

Really, Meander? Really?

We're from the same city...but I feel like I don't even know you. I wouldn't go so far as to call you a turd, but really. If you want smutty comedy, go find something else and let Charlie Sheen get back to the psych ward where he belongs.

In other news...I predict that the kid from Two and a Half Men will rise up and murder Sheen and Jon Cryer...to the betterment of the world.

Posted by: Smokin at March 26, 2009 11:08 PM

Easy Smokes, here we respect other people's opinions.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 11:12 PM

"House." Yep, that's it for me. Nothing else to see there. Nothing. Nothing at all, I tell you. Go on, go on back to your homes, people, that's it, show's over, nothing to see here, good night, go on, gooooooood night peeeeeople ...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
and "60 Minutes."

Posted by: bucdaddy at March 26, 2009 11:14 PM

Pookie, the only correct opinion is my opinion.

Posted by: admin at March 26, 2009 11:17 PM

Jeebus, look at all the commas up there, Fig. I didn't even do that consciously to arouse your desires, they just ... splurted out.

Oh, and I've tried to watch "The Amazing Race" because it seems like at least semi-educational "reality" TV, but the frenetic editing gives me a headache. I don't hear so well and so have to try to follow on closed captioning, and even that moves too damn fast to follow. Really, could we stay with one set of contestants for more than three seconds at a time?

Posted by: bucdaddy at March 26, 2009 11:19 PM

I do love criminal intent.

Posted by: Pookie at March 26, 2009 10:34 PM

Pookie, stay on topic. We're talking about tv, not your weekend hobbies.

Posted by: L.O.V.E. at March 26, 2009 11:33 PM

Really, Meander? Really?

We're from the same city...but I feel like I don't even know you. I wouldn't go so far as to call you a turd, but really. If you want smutty comedy, go find something else and let Charlie Sheen get back to the psych ward where he belongs.

He's not quite sane, is he? And lets face it, not a lot of comedies out there, and I do enjoy this one.

Posted by: Meander at March 26, 2009 11:36 PM

Heehee. You just keep bringing the awesome, buc.

I used to love "House", but it became very repetitive and formulaic, which I really wouldn't have minded, except that the characters never changed and just became more and more annoying. I still love Hugh Laurie, but I can't watch the show on a regular basis.

And...if I want smutty TV, I'll watch reality shows on VH1. Yow, but the germs that fly around that place...

Posted by: figgy at March 26, 2009 11:38 PM

Yeah, okay, on that first list I watch exactly one show: House.

Second list: (I still watch House,) The Office, How I Met Your Mother, aaaaand that appears to be it.

And I am a TV whorefeind. So...yes.

Posted by: dsbs at March 26, 2009 11:39 PM

I watch 24. I also watch the Amazing Race. I love when they send them to India. It's always a favorite episode. Amazing Race is easily one of the best reality shows on tv.

24? Let's just blame that one on the Keifer thing.

Posted by: Melody at March 26, 2009 11:39 PM

On that second list, add The Office and NCAA basketball to the list.

Posted by: Melody at March 26, 2009 11:41 PM

The only encouraging thing I've found on this list is that According to Jim isn't in any of the spots, yet it will remain on the air forever, because it costs nothing to make.

Posted by: George at March 26, 2009 11:58 PM

My mom spoiled me on HBO series like Oz, Rome, Sopranos, the Wire, etc. So basic cable seems like such a downgrade.

Posted by: Hurp Durp at March 27, 2009 12:14 AM

***takes a deeeeeeeeep breath********

I watch Two and a Half Men. I like it. It's stupid as hell but there are at least 2 or three solid laughs in an episode.

However, this new chick Charlie is engaged to on the show sucks....the one that Alan was married to for like a month was ridiculously hot...and that kept my interest.

I know I may have lost some respect in the eyes of some of you, but I don't care. I am in classes and writing papers and I like to turn the old thinkin' part off for 23 minuted a week. If you don't like it, suck it.

Posted by: Rubble44 at March 27, 2009 12:20 AM

Ahhh, L.O.V.E., the bane of my existence. I have a name for my pain, and it is not batman, it is L.O.V.E.

Posted by: Pookie at March 27, 2009 12:59 AM

I swear, here in my lovely Australia, that there is a channel solely dedicated to Two and a Half Men. Two and a Half freaking MEN! It's one of the highest rating shows in Australia too, which makes me that much less proud of my nationality.

My sister, who is a smart girl (usually), once tried to explain to me that Two and a Half Men is "pretty funny". At this point, I think my entire genetic make-up altered so that I could no longer be considered related to her. And then my head exploded. It was a bad day.

Posted by: redhead at March 27, 2009 1:30 AM

I watched Two and a Half Men a couple of times to see what all the fuss was about. And now I know: nothing. Nothing at all. It is entirely without humor, without wit, and without intelligence. It is likely brought to you by the same tards who wrote the brilliance that was Everybody Loves Raymond or According the Jim. These shows really pander to the most shallow end of the gene pool in the Nielsen family tree, and the necessary addition of a laugh track is a testament to just how UNfunny some of today's sitcoms remain. If you can't make me laugh without TELLING me to laugh, your shit isn't funny.

But then, this is all coming from a guy who really enjoyed "White Chicks," so what the fuck do I know?

Posted by: The Pink Hulk at March 27, 2009 1:39 AM

Formulaic describes "House" well, sure, but it's such a pleasure watching Hugh Laurie get to be such a son of a bitch and get away with saying the kinds of things we'd all love to say to our boss/coworkers. Too good at my job to fire for being an awful human being? I'd love to be that guy. I'd guess that's the key to its popularity, cause I have a little trouble buying the sexual tension thing between House and Cuddy. Nope, can't see it.

I just kind of ignore the disease of the week angle, that's just a framework for everything else that happens. It's not like you can play along at home and figure out what's making the patient sick before House does, nobody at home snaps his fingers and says, "I KNEW it was complications from Twinkie decay," and the writers must know that. So it's intended as filler, but it's OK filler.

Posted by: bucdaddy at March 27, 2009 1:42 AM

Oh thank God I'm not the only one who found "Raymond" spectacularly unfunny. Ray Romano I don't give a fuck about, but what a waste of Peter Boyle.

The popularity of shows like this makes me question my own sanity. Is it me ...? But then, you know what they say about a billion flies ...

Posted by: bucdaddy at March 27, 2009 1:49 AM

goddddddd, how my love for "how i met your mother" runs deep. . .

Posted by: adam at March 27, 2009 2:00 AM

Fuck Australia, stop trying to fuck our broads you goddamn blooming onion eatin’ homo. And help out with the war, we need more than a crate of bottled water you son of a bitch. Yes you all have some tasty waves down under.

Posted by: Pookie at March 27, 2009 2:08 AM

God help me, I can't quit Grey's Anatomy. I JUST CAN'T. It is pretty awful, for the most part, but I just love Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson and McKidd, of course, and honestly, GA is one of those shows where when they do an episode well, they do it really well, and it always happens just when I'm about to give up for good, but then I get all hooked again and MY GOD JUST MAKE IT STOP.

Ahem.

Posted by: Mimi at March 27, 2009 2:45 AM

I don't watch any of the shows on any of these lists. I've never even heard of a bunch of these shows. I watch shit like "Little House on the (Motherfucking) Prairie" and "The Golden Girls". I also sometimes watch "Murder, She Wrote".

Despite all evidence to the contrary, I am not actually 93 years old.

Posted by: Sarina at March 27, 2009 2:49 AM

"Rules of Engagement?" Seriously? That's still on? I'm dreaming. I'm hallucinating. No, I'm typing. I guess it's true. Wow.

Posted by: ChaCha at March 27, 2009 2:58 AM

What was "60 Minutes" about last week that it climbed from #10 to #4?

Posted by: ChaCha at March 27, 2009 3:08 AM

B was on 60 minutes.

Posted by: Pookie at March 27, 2009 3:09 AM

GA is one of those shows where when they do an episode well, they do it really well, and it always happens just when I'm about to give up for good, but then I get all hooked again and MY GOD JUST MAKE IT STOP.
Posted by: Mimi at March 27, 2009 2:45

Ditto...I know EXACTLY what you're going through...(Like last week as a matter of fact)...I'm really trying to wean myself off of it, but it's just not working.

Posted by: ChaCha at March 27, 2009 3:11 AM

Oh ok, thanks for letting me know, Pookie...

Posted by: ChaCha at March 27, 2009 3:23 AM

don't curse me please. Cha Cha, have you ever had gas pain in your sides?

Posted by: Pookie at March 27, 2009 3:28 AM

Watch House, because of Hugh, but then it is a bit like a bite from a Mac burger, usually tastes thesame or downhill.

Getting the feeling that I stand alone in the winds of average tubefeeding that I really like Castle, simply love Nathan. Think he could use a hit for a while, let him become a household name and go on to the big stuff. I need him in more good movies. Now, damm', NOW.

If you put a little salad next to your juicy red steak, does that count as healthy eating? I just like the crunchy sounds when you chew.

Posted by: Magiel at March 27, 2009 6:53 AM

Who in hell are the weirdos watching NCIS? I...I haven't met any real life person who does.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 27, 2009 7:11 AM

This list doesn't really surprise me. None of the shows I usually like are EVER popular. They get canceled mid-season and I'm left pulling my hair out as yet another American Idol commercial assaults my eyeballs. Seriously, how does watching people sing year after year not get dull?

I watch LOST and the occasional episode of House, although it has become just as formulaic and predictable as others have said. I watched the first season of 24. Judging from the commercials, every season afterwards has been exactly the same.

Reminds me of a hilarious statement by the uber-gay clerk at the local video store; I rented a movie with Donald Sutherland in it, and the clerk said as he checked me out: "I like him in this movie." Deep sigh. "But he begat Keifer, and I cannot forgive him for that."

Posted by: DeadBessie at March 27, 2009 7:51 AM

I've seen exactly two shoes on these lists more than once: "60 Minutes" and "Spongebob Squarepants." Oh, and "The Office," but I dropped that after they had Jim and Pam get together and wrote Rashida Jones out of the show. Fuck that bullshit. I watched "How I Met Your Mother" for the first time this week and it was alright. Really, NPH should get his own show as Barney and Allyson Hannigan should get her own show where the camera just follows her around. In fact, she should get an entire channel of that.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at March 27, 2009 8:32 AM

It is sad to see the non-love for "24". In the last 14 hours terrorists have forced two planes to collide over Washington, tried to overload a chemical manufacturing facility in Ohio, kidnapped the President's husband, and taken control of the White House. When we last left Jack he was awaiting the CDC to find out how much of the leaking fumes he inhaled from a biological weapon are needed to kill him. Jon Voight is about to get that WMD and blow up America for some reason. My point is, ITS A FUCKING GREAT SHOW!

Posted by: TylerDFC at March 27, 2009 8:59 AM

Who in hell are the weirdos watching NCIS? I...I haven't met any real life person who does.

Ha! I remember coming across NCIS flair on Facebook and letting out the longest REEEEAAAALLLLYYYY??? in recorded history.

Posted by: jM at March 27, 2009 9:19 AM

I .... have a confession.

Monday nights? After Big Bang and HIMYM? I ... tend to leave the TV on. And I don't really change the channel. There's nothing else on, so I have nothing to distract me. And ... I laugh. It's stupid, and predictable, and stupid, and I laugh anyway.

I'm so ashamed. And yet, it's kind of a relief to have it out in the open. Luckily, I have school Monday nights now, so I DVR BB & HIMYM; then, when I get home a little before 9, I can just watch the good stuff instead.

See, kids? You really *should* stay in school.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at March 27, 2009 9:20 AM

Yup, don't watch anything in the top list with any regularity (a House episode every now and then, but that's it). I don't understand HOW Two and Half Men is still on--that show is the definition of craptastic.

Posted by: birdgal at March 27, 2009 9:23 AM

NCIS isn't bad, but I won't go out of my way to watch it. Two and a Half Men also. They're really just good shows to watch when you're winding down. (And Two and a Half Men is some of the best basic comedy I've ever seen. Yes, there are several levels of comedy, and for a sitcom it's the funniest I've had to watch in a while. Which is kinda like the whole "world's tallest midget" thing, but I digress.)

House and 24 deserve every bit of ratings they can get, for they are the only good shows Fox will keep on the air. (Haven't watched Lie to Me yet, so no comment on that one.) Suffice it to say, there's only one reason I can think of that would explain why 24 isn't higher up...some people, when they hear that clock noise, they tend to go out and try to save the world themselves. In fact, the FBI released a report saying that Mondays at 9 are the safest time to be out, because some 24 fans are out saving the world, while the Heroes fans merely fap.

It's all about the key demographics, people.

Posted by: Mike R. at March 27, 2009 9:26 AM

"Really, NPH should get his own show as Barney and Allyson Hannigan should get her own show where the camera just follows her around. In fact, she should get an entire channel of that."

If those things happened, I would watch both of them. That would probably bring my TV-viewing age down to, like, 58 at most!

Please don't let there ever be a whole Neil Patrick Harris channel, though. I'd become a total shut-in. He is just so charming and adorable, and I want to keep him in my pocket. I'm fairly certain that he's the better part of a foot taller than me, but if he starts doing yoga now and works really hard, I'm pretty sure he'll get bendy enough to wedge into the pocket of one of those kangaroo smocks.

Yeah, I'd be willing to rock a kangaroo smock if it had NPH in the pocket.

Posted by: Sarina at March 27, 2009 10:07 AM

Damn, people love their crime shows! And who knew "The Mentalist" was so popular? I saw one episode of that, and it was super-ridiculous. It was unintentionally funny, though, in a "Ghost Whisperer" kind of way.

Posted by: StupidIdiotJerk at March 27, 2009 10:25 AM

This list doesn't bum me out too much. Big Love was awesome. Flight of the Chonchords maintained it's funny and upped the musical numbers. United States of Tara is really interesting. 30 Rock still kills it every Thursday (though I do think the very funny Tina Fey cannot keep carving up Liz Lemon's dignity every single show. Whatevs, it hasn't stopped working yet.) I still find Bill Maher's Real Time relevant. South Park always has the chance of knocking one out of the park. Travel Channel, PBS, the Food Network. Colbert is funnier than Carlin and possibly Richard Pryor by the time he's done. Good Television is still being made though the wilderness be dark and varmit.

And to put a spear through my post here, I actually do watch American Idol every year. If you think of it as a game show, it does not matter that Kelly Clarkson is the only star-talent to ever come out of the show's run. (Who knows what she's doing now?) The regular season is too boring and painful to watch. However, I watch the first two episodes of American Idol every season. Watching dopey adults cry tickles me Elmo.

Posted by: Jackseppelin at March 27, 2009 10:25 AM

Hey Figgy,

I've never actually watched How I Met Your Mother but anything with Jason Segel is good by me. He's dreamy

Posted by: Park at March 27, 2009 10:55 AM

I should mention that I work nights, Tues-Sat, and don't tape or TiVo, so there's no way I could/should watch much of this crap anyway. The only night I wish I could is Thursday (NBC).

However, I know a guy who switched from a night shift to daytime, and when I asked him how he adjusted to the culture change he immediately said, "TV sucks."

Posted by: bucdaddy at March 27, 2009 11:05 AM

I admit it, I like Two and a Half Men (though less now that the kid's older.) I usually just watch reruns.

I hate sitcoms in general. Bring on the cartoons, baby!

Yeah, people like me are the reason SpongeBob is a top-watched show.

Posted by: frumpiefox at March 27, 2009 11:08 AM

Well what a coincidence. The same day something about Twilight comes up, something about Two and a Half Men also appears. The guy I ended things with, in addition to not hating Twilight, mentioned on Tuesday that he caught a few episodes of 2.5 by accident and thought it was surprisingly funny and well-done. This is a guy who works with actual comedians. Yet another reason I don't feel too bad it's over.

Out of the first list, I only watch House, and that's only out of habit. If my roommate didn't save the episodes on our DVR, I probably wouldn't have seen more than one or two this season.

The second list: The Office and HIMYM. Family Guy and SVU only if I catch a rerun.

Posted by: SaBrina at March 27, 2009 11:11 AM

Sarina-

I LOVE THE GOLDEN GIRLS!

Maybe it's because I am a raving homosexual, but dear Godtopus, that show still cracks me up.

Good to know I have an ally.

Posted by: Smokin at March 27, 2009 11:51 AM

I gave up American Idol a couple of years ago. Not because I realised that the auditions were the modern equivalent of going to Bedlam to laugh at the loonies (though, of course they are). But because I got bored with laughing at the loonies. When you know they're hand-picked, it takes all the fun out of it...

I have never seen 2.5 Men, and I'm not going to if I can help it. Charlie Sheen creeps me out. But from those lists, I do watch House, Castle, The Mentalist, Grey's, and Lost. If I like a show, I like it, I don't care if it's considered naff by others. It's my time to waste, right?

My viewing habits don't count though, as I download everything. Now, those viewing figures would be interesting. I did see some dl stats once, but the comments all said they weren't accurate, so who knows.

Posted by: Tarn at March 27, 2009 11:59 AM

I am sure my kids are almost solely responsible for SpongeBob dominating the cable lists. They are watching this show constantly. Not that I mind.

Posted by: ed newman at March 27, 2009 3:35 PM

yeah Tarn, but I try to stay grounded by watching at least a couple eps of regular tv. I don't watch any of the rest of that shit. I have caught a Family Guy on Cartoon Network late night but, only because I was trying to watch something else. Have you seen David Wain's Superjail? It is the most demented cartoon. It's evil in a pill form. Not like the jocularly crazed Squidbillies.

Posted by: Jackseppelin at March 27, 2009 5:20 PM

The best thing about Two and Half Men is the little vanity card at the end that you have to pause on TiVo to read. Some of those are freakin' hilarious.

Posted by: Codeman at March 27, 2009 5:41 PM

The best thing about Two and Half Men is the little vanity card at the end that you have to pause on TiVo to read. Some of those are freakin' hilarious.

Or you can just read them here...

Can I reference myself?

Posted by: Codeman at March 27, 2009 5:46 PM

I watch Spongebob more than I watch any other show on those lists except for The Office. It has humor, character development and seafood. You don't get that from Charlie Sheen.

Posted by: greer at March 27, 2009 6:20 PM

I don't even know what NCIS is. And all I watch on any of those lists is The Office.

Posted by: Lucas at March 27, 2009 10:23 PM

My homeland has been acknowledged by Pookie. My life is now complete.

And it's just adorable that you said 'blooming'.

Posted by: redhead at March 27, 2009 10:36 PM

maybe I just haven't been paying enough attention, but I'm surprised at all the HIMYM love around here. I mean, I find it deeply endearing and endlessly watchable, but I had always assumed that it was staggeringly uncool; it isn't the festering pustule that is Two and a Half Men, but I still thought it was frowned upon in these parts. Glad to hear it isn't, because now I can freely admit that I like How I Met Your Mother.
But that, Lost, and the Office are the only things I watch on the second list, and I watch nothing on the first one. That makes me happy.

Posted by: Kyle at March 28, 2009 4:42 AM

I...I don't recognize most of those shows. The few I do I dislike intensely.

At last. My separation from pop culture is complete, and all I had to do was wait.

Posted by: JLRoberson at March 28, 2009 10:00 PM

I've never seen, NCIS, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, The Office, 30 Rock, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, 24, American Idol or any of the shows listed in the Top 20 with the exception of one, The Mentalist.

Yes I know the supporting cast is DOA and the lead character is a little TOO quirky but I love Simon Baker. I will continue to watch if only because CBS screwed him so badly in his last endeavor The Guardian, that show might not have been the best but his performance as Nick Fallon was Emmy worthy.

Other shows I watch on basic cable and network TV (my DVR is working overtime), Burn Notice, Sons of Anarchy, Damages, Bones, Fringe, Life and Doll House. I am also watching Kings, verdict is out on that one and though I love Nathan Fillion Castle is. . .well I already watch Bones, so I've got the whole bantering, barely repressed sexual attraction thing covered.

Posted by: allheavens at March 30, 2009 3:18 PM





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