TV ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' hits another high Thursday while 'Glee' and 'Grey's Anatomy' slip

Fast National ratings for Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012

"The Big Bang Theory" seems to have perfected an anti-gravity device, at least as far as ratings are concerned. For the second straight week, the CBS comedy hit a series high in total viewers and a season high in adults 18-49. The network as a whole also had its best Thursday since premiere week, winning the night across the board.

Elsewhere, "Grey's Anatomy" and "Glee" were both down a little compared to last week. "The Vampire Diaries" and "Beauty and the Beast" also fell a bit for The CW, but "The X Factor" improved some without "The Voice" airing against it. ABC's "Scandal" was up too.

CBS delivered 13.6 million viewers and an 8.5 rating/14 share in households in primetime. ABC (6.9 million, 4.6/7) finished a distant second, a little bit ahead of FOX (6.3 million, 3.9/6). NBC came in fourth with 3.7 million viewers and a 2.4/4. The CW (2.2 million, 1.4/2) trailed.

CBS also led the adults 18-49 demographic with a 3.4 rating. ABC and FOX tied for second at 2.2. NBC averaged 1.4 in the demo and The CW 0.9.

Thursday hour by hour:

8 p.m.

CBS: "The Big Bang Theory" (17.4 million viewers, 10.6/17 households)/"Two and a Half Men" (13.9 million, 8.6/13)
FOX: "The X Factor" results (7.3 million, 4.5/7)
ABC: "Last Resort" (5.8 million, 3.7/6)
NBC: "30 Rock" (3.4 million, 2.3/4)/"Up All Night" (3.1 million, 2.0/3)
The CW: "The Vampire Diaries" (2.8 million, 1.8/3)

18-49 leader: "The Big Bang Theory" (5.5)

9 p.m.

CBS: "Person of Interest" (14.5 million, 9.0/14)
ABC: "Grey's Anatomy" (8.7 million, 5.8/9)
FOX: "Glee" (5.3 million, 3.3/5)
NBC: "The Office" (4.15 million, 2.6/4)/"Parks and Recreation" (3.6 million, 2.2/3)
The CW: "Beauty and the Beast" (1.6 million, 1.1/2)

18-49 leader: "Grey's Anatomy" and "Person of Interest" tied at 3.1

10 p.m.

CBS: "Elementary" (10.7 million, 6.9/12)
ABC: "Scandal" (6.1 million, 4.3/7)
NBC: "Rock Center with Brian Williams" (4 million, 2.7/4)

18-49 leader: "Elementary" (2.3)

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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