TV ratings: 'American Idol' down Wednesday but FOX still wins big

Fast National ratings for Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013

"American Idol" dropped off some Wednesday from its premiere, losing almost 2 million viewers and six tenths of a point in the 18-49 demographic compared to last week. FOX still dominated the night, however, as no one else mounted much of a challenge.

Elsewhere, "CSI" scored a season high in adults 18-49. "Modern Family" was down slightly for ABC, but "The Middle" improved, helping the network hold pretty steady with last week.

FOX brought in 16 million viewers and a 9.3 rating/14 share in households for the night, down from 17.9 million viewers last Wednesday. CBS (10 million, 6.4/10) was the best of the rest. ABC came in third with 7.15 million viewers and a 4.5/7. The CW (2.61 million, 1.6/2) edged a night of repeats on NBC (2.5 million, 1.8/3) for fourth place.

In the adults 18-49 demo, FOX's 5.4 rating was far and away the night's best. ABC and CBS tied for second at 2.4. The CW averaged 1.0 and NBC 0.8.

Wednesday hour by hour:

8 p.m.

FOX: "American Idol" (15.7 million viewers, 9.1/14 households)
ABC: "The Middle" (8.5 million, 5.2/8)/"The Neighbors" (6.3 million, 3.9/6)
CBS: "Criminal Minds" rerun (6.8 million, 4.5/7)
The CW: "Arrow" (3.1 million, 1.9/3)
NBC: "Whitney" rerun (2.6 million, 1.9/3)/"Guys With Kids" rerun (2.2 million, 1.5/2)

18-49 leader: "American Idol" (5.3)

9 p.m.

FOX: "American Idol" (16.3 million, 9.4/14)
CBS: "Criminal Minds" (11.7 million, 7.5/11)
ABC: "Modern Family" (10.8 million, 6.5/10)/"Suburgatory" (6.3 million, 3.9/6)
NBC: "Law & Order: SVU" rerun (2.7 million, 1.9/3)
The CW: "Supernatural" (2.1 million, 1.3/2)

18-49 leader: "American Idol" (5.6)

10 p.m.

CBS: "CSI" (11.5 million, 7.4/12)
ABC: "Nashville" (5.5 million, 3.7/6)
NBC: "Chicago Fire" rerun (2.5 million, 1.8/3)

18-49 leader: "CSI" (2.7)

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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