TV ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' Michael Phelps lead a quiet Thursday

Fast National ratings for Thursday, June 28, 2012

Thursday was not a banner night for the broadcast networks, with several original programs declining from previous outings and NBC's Olympic trials coverage also down a bit.

"Duets" hit its lowest note to date for ABC, and the summer debut of "Wipeout" was down from last year. FOX's dating-show duo of "Take Me Out" and "The Choice" was also down, but NBC's sports coverage gave a bit of a bump to "Saving Hope." CBS had the night's most-watched show with a "Big Bang Theory" repeat.

CBS led the night overall with 6.5 million viewers and a 4.3 rating/7 share in households. ABC (5 million, 3.0/5) came in second, beating out NBC's 4.3 million viewers and 2.8/5. FOX (2.6 million, 1.7/3) came in fourth. The CW drew just over 760,000 viewers and a 0.5/1.

ABC and CBS tied for the lead among adults 18-49, but they scored only a meager 1.3 in the demographic. FOX's 1.1 was good for third, beating out NBC's 1.0. The CW trailed with a 0.3.

Thursday hour by hour:

8 p.m.

CBS: "The Big Bang Theory" rerun (7.7 million viewers, 5.1/9 households)/"2 Broke Girls" rerun (6.1 million, 4.0/7)
NBC: Olympic trials - swimming (6.2 million, 3.8/7)
ABC: "Duets" (4.2 million, 2.8/5)
FOX: "Take Me Out" (2.3 million, 1.5/3)
The CW: "Breaking Pointe" (871,000, 0.6/1)

18-49 leader: "The Big Bang Theory" (2.0)

9 p.m.

CBS: "Person of Interest" rerun (6.5 million, 4.3/7)
ABC: "Wipeout" premiere (5.9 million, 3.3/5)
NBC: "Saving Hope" (3.3 million, 2.1/4)
FOX: "The Choice" (2.9 million, 1.9/3)
The CW: "The Vampire Diaries" rerun (654,000, 0.5/1)

18-49 leader: "Wipeout" (1.9)

10 p.m.

CBS: "The Mentalist" rerun (6.2 million, 4.0/7)
ABC: "Rookie Blue" (4.85 million, 3.0/5)
NBC: "Rock Center with Brian Williams" (3.5 million, 2.4/4)

18-49 leader: "Rookie Blue" and "The Mentalist" tied at 1.1

Ratings information includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change. Source: The Nielsen Company.

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