TV ratings: CBS wins with ‘Big Bang’ as ‘Idol’ hits another low

A “Big Bang Theory”-powered CBS beat its rivals in the ratings Thursday night with solid showings from most of its comedies.

“Big Bang” was the highest rated show with 17.9 million viewers total and a rating of 5.2 among key 18-49-year-olds, according to early numbers from Nielsen. A ratings point in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic equals about 1.3 million people watching.

CBS averaged 10.7 million viewers and a rating of 2.7 for an easy win in prime time.

The Will Arnett comedy “The Millers” and “Two and a Half Men” rose from last week to a 3.0 and a 2.7, respectively, but “The Crazy Ones” fell 11% to a 1.7, its lowest rating so far. “Elementary” rose a tick to 1.7.

PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of movies and TV

“American Idol” hit another low in the demo, falling to a 2.2 in 18-49, while bringing in 9.7 million viewers overall. The freshman legal drama “Rake,” starring Greg Kinnear, was flat with last week’s weak 0.8.

On NBC, “Community” remained at a low 1.0, but “Parks and Recreation” grew week-to-week by 9% to a 1.2. “Parks” total viewership grew by 15% to about 2.9 million. Following an episode of “Hollywood Game Night,” “Parenthood” drew a 1.2, also up 9%.

ABC’s spinoff “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” returned after three months off, with no more magic than last time. Facing “American Idol” for the first time, “Wonderland” drew 3.1 million viewers and a rating of 0.8, matching its series low. The network’s dramas “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” both saw double-digit percentage drops, to a 2.6 and a 2.8, respectively. “Scandal” was still the top drama of the night.

The CW’s “Vampire Diaries” earned a 1.0 in 18-49, beating its time-slot competition on ABC and tying NBC; “Reign” drew a 0.7.

ALSO:

ArcLight Cinemas to develop original content

‘300: Rise of an Empire’ likely to top ‘Peabody & Sherman’

China’s Huayi Brothers to invest in Jeff Robinov’s new film company

ryan.faughnder@latimes.com

Twitter: @rfaughnder