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Ratings: CBS wins another Thursday, but 'Smallville' continues to soar

Nov 7, 2008, 02:33 PM | by Aubry D’Arminio

Categories: Ratings, TV Biz, TV Ratings

Smallville_l Gasps all around: CBS topped Thursday yet again. (Yes, we know, shocker.) Survivor: Gabon (11.9 million viewers at 8 p.m.), CSI (18.1 million at 9 p.m.) and Eleventh Hour (11 million at 10 p.m.) dominated their time slots and helped the Eye bring in an average 13.8 million viewers for the evening, according to preliminary data. But the night’s big story was over at the CW, where little engines that could Smallville and Supernatural quietly continue to add to their numbers. Airing at 8 p.m., the Superman show (star Tom Welling is pictured) leaped to 4.8 million (up from last week’s 4.3 million), besting its season premiere. Then, at 9 p.m., Supernatural (3.7 million) was up for the third week in a row, also earning its best ratings since September

Elsewhere, NBC’s freshman comedy Kath & Kim, which just received a full season order, was up again with 5.6 million viewers, as was ABC’s Life on Mars (8.9 million). Mars’ Whoopi Goldberg led a pack of celebrities guesting on Thursday TV -- some high profile, some just golden TV veterans (yay, sweeps!). Oprah stopped by NBC’s 30 Rock, which nabbed 8 million watchers. Jane Seymour played herself on My Name Is Earl (6.6 million). Courtney B. Vance joined his real-life wife, Angela Bassett, on ER (8.6 million). And The O.C.’s Melinda Clarke returned as S&M guru Leady Heather on the night’s top-rated show, CSI. Also of note: The Office (8.4 million) lost more than a million viewers from its previous installment, Ugly Betty (9 million) increased for a third straight week and cracked the 9 million mark for the first time since its season debut, and Grey's Anatomy (15.3 million) stayed flat and remained No. 1 in the all-important 18-39 demographic.

In on other ratings news, final numbers for Tuesday’s election coverage are in and, as we reported on Wednesday, ABC attracted the most viewers with 13.2 million tuning in to hear its pundits chime in on Obama’s big win. NBC came in a close second with 12.1 million viewers, while 7.4 million watched the coverage on CBS, and 4.7 million witnessed history unfold on Fox.

More TV News:
Grey's Anatomy recap
30 Rock recap
The Office recap
Survivor: Gabon recap
CSI recap
Life on Mars recap


Aaron Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 07:46 AM EST

Smallville is the best show on T.V. and Erica Durance is only 30 years old. So why are all you guys saying she old and ugly when she really isn't. I think you guys are just jealous because she is very sexy and who cares if she had fake ti*s. She is very good at acting and she's one of my favorite people on the show. So stop hating on her just because you can't be her and just be happy that she is really HOT!

talkbme cetvdsu Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 03:43 PM EST

brdcka ogjr cmekpi krncvx kcmwizjg ovmknhl sejcphtqa

scott Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 11:33 PM EST

Trudie or KJ it is now very clear that you can't read otherwise you would have read my post and realized you are wrong. Get some help with the big words so you can understand.

scott Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:16 PM EST

The rating for previous episodes before bloodline were really low!

KJ Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:14 PM EST

still,S8 has the LOWEST RATED first 8 episodes in smallville`s history!

scott Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

Hey Trudie I am going to be polite because I am not sure if I am insulting a slow person or just a plain ignorant one. Facts are facts and they say that smallville is having great ratings this year and better than last year. I assume that you are someone who will post nonstop about how much you think the show sucks so why don't you stop watching the show and give us all a break from having to read your stupid comments.

Trudie Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:47 AM EST

This is the lowest rated season in the history of Smallville. Lois acts with the fake boobs. She should have save some money on acting classes instead using all her money on plastic surgery. the big fat boobs cannot hide the lack of acting talent or a homely face

scott Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

It's pretty cool that they are really putting the focus on Clark and Lois this season which is one reason the ratings are up. I think Smallville and the Sarah Chronicles are probably the best scripted shows out and Supernatural is a very close second.

scott Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 02:54 AM EST

Smallville averaged 3.7 million viewers last year and not once this year has it reached that low. Stop posting lies written as facts.

scott Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 02:51 AM EST

Hey I liked season 7 a lot with my favorite being decent but you need to get your facts straight. Smallville averaged 3.7 million viewers last year and it has not gotten that low this year. Both Smallville and Supernatural have higher ratings this year and you can't say fact in less you put your source. Multiple sources including Wikipedia have the ratings posted by what they averaged by season. It seems you have a problem with this season because Lana is gone but she'll be back for five episodes so calm down. Lana was great for the show and Kristin chose to have a smaller part this year so you don't need to hold that against the show.

Fact! Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 10:41 PM EST

noted:S8 has the LOWEST RATED first 8 episodes in smallville`s history!

Fact! Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 10:40 PM EST

!the rating for WRATH,FIERCE,ACTION still topped any episodes this season!CLANA sell Clois not.and the only reason this week rating up was because KARA!more smallville less lois clark!

kat Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 07:32 PM EST

i agree with everyone! the cw does not give these two shows enough publicity. if they even got half the support as gossip girl and 90210, i seriously believe that it could get into the 6 millions. the cw is holding its own station back from getting the great ratings that they need.

scott Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

They should do a article on Smallville since it has been there top rated scripted show for the last seven years but this and every other website only cares about 90210 and Gossip Girl. I don't understand it and from what I read here no one else gets it either. Smallville ratings are going up each week, if you take Smallville and Supernatural off the CW honestly what the hell do you have left. I think the fans are telling these sites that they are happy with the direction of the show and to start giving it some credit. The writers seem to know exactly where there going this season and I think for a ninth season to happen Tom Welling will have to sign a new contract since he was only signed on for eight seasons. If the CW is smart they will start talking to him now as well as offer a good deal.

Keith Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST

One more thing: the other reason EW should do a feature on Smallville is because it's an interesting story. Think about it, a genre show going into its eighth season after losing its showrunners/creators and half its cast ends up being both creatively and ratings-ly reborn? That's a compelling article, man! It's the antithesis of the Heroes story from a few weeks back. The new producers are showing exactly how to get it done when it comes to bringing superheroes to the small screen.

Keith Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 09:09 AM EST

Why doesn't EW ever do a feature on Smallville?! It has been the CW's most consistently successful scripted show for the last several seasons, but you'd never know it if you read EW. All the coverage is 90210, Gossip Girl, and even One Tree Hill?! Come on! Smallville gets more eyeballs than those three shows combined! So what gives?

rach Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 12:42 AM EST

Smallville's ratings are up because Lana is gone. Her character became so useless and annoying, I couldn't deal with it and stopped watching two years back. Then, I caught up on Netflix, saw she was leaving, and now watch every Thursday. Thank god for Lois. Lana is back for some eps this season, so now we get to suffer through Clark being old Clark-in-love-with-Lana.....ewwwwwww

dj Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:20 PM EST

UST BRING UP LANA ALREADY!she`s so much interesting than the typical lois and clark.she has flaws,those flaws is what keepng her close to real person ion the real world.she`s so much interesting.take a look at the rating for lanaville in all last season.they`re beat every episodes in s8! AGREEEE!

Truth Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:17 PM EST

all last season Lana and clana bring up the rating!This season dowhnill because people don want to see another lois and clark!the rating for WRATH,FIERCE,ACTION still topped any episodes this season!CLANA sell Clois not.

Bobby Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:43 PM EST

Smallville IS really good this season and has one of the best casts on television. Erica Durance is amazing, the best Lois Lane since Margot Kidder and leagues better than Kate Bosworth. I think Tom is also better than Brandon Routh. My biggest gripe, LET HIM FLY ALREADY! It's ridiculous to keep running him around everywhere. Great show, could be greater with a more adult storylines and Clark taking to the air.

Shawn Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

I'll tell you why Smallville is getting such good ratings. it's b/c of the Doomsday/Superman storyline that's one of the best story lines in comicbook history and they are actually trying to do it in Live Action form..and they are doing a pretty good job of it, if u ask me. I can't wait til Clark and Doomsday fight eachother hopefully they give them a good 20 mins to battle it out. and I don't see Smallville lasting to much longer..maybe 1 more season after this it's already been on way longer than I thought it was gonna be on. it's really time for Clark to learn how to fly already.

rosewood Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 01:38 PM EST

Well done Supernatural! I just started watching last season then caught up on DVD. Season 4 has been outstanding.

Mike B Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

I will tell you why Smallville's ratings were UP. Because Kara, wait fir it, IS HOT! Bring her back!

SusieWho Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

Is there a worst actress than Erica Durance. She acts with her silicone implant fake boobs and what is she, over 40. Why do that have this ugly middle aged cow playing a young 20ish Lois. Get someone who can act and in the meantime Lois needs to tuck in those fake implants, everyone knows they are phony. They need to give Kara more episodes and bring Chloe back to the Daily Planet. GEt rid of that middle aged cow Lois and I will consider watching Smallville again

doodie8806 Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 08:57 AM EST

I loved smallville. I love Lois. She is my favorite character. This season is awesome and it would be better if alien looking Lana would stay away and take the plain fat girl Chloe with her. I can't stand them because they are weak and boring and episodes with Lana were not always high because the ratings went back up on the five episodes she was in a coma!

Alex Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

Smallville's still getting ratings, huh? It's kind of strange when you have to mention the major cast member that left last season every episode. Still, I think they're doing well.

Hope his hair grew back.

David Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST

JUST BRING UP LANA ALREADY!she`s so much interesting than the typical lois and clark.she has flaws,those flaws is what keepng her close to real person ion the real world.she`s so much interesting.take a look at the rating for lanaville in all last season.they`re beat everyepisodes in s8!

Carol Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

I'm glad Smallville is doing so well because Tom Welling is the best Clark Kent/Superman ever! I hope the producers realize that the show is MUCH better when it focuses on its main character, Clark Kent!

Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM EST

Supernatural is the best it's been! I've loved this show from the beginning, but this season tops them all. The writers are giving the actors more to work with, especially Dean. I've been impressed by Jensen's range. I adore the humor mixed in with the scary stuff. I really hope Supernatural keeps going!

Fact Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 10:43 PM EST

The rating for last season`s first 10 episodes still lot higher than this season`s!specially on all of those lanacentered. viewers love lana!she`s flawed and screws up thus interesting!clark is good innocent...it`s good and....boring!

Jay Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 10:34 PM EST

Kara bring up the rating!good.Now we`ll wait for LANA!!btw,wrath reached 5.0.and all clanacentered episodes last season(fierce,action,cure,wrath) still topped anyepisodes this season.CLANA sells more than CLOIS!

David Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 10:25 PM EST

i agree with every one else in surprise how good SMALLVILLE is this season - even with two original cast members gone! the new additions more than make up for the loss of Lex + Lana; however, the quality of content has been increased as well. as much as i love the show, in terms of where Clark meets Superman - destiny is coming quick and i feel that this season or next should be the end. Clark is at the point where age, job, mindset all merge to where he "should" create the Superman persona hence SMALLVILLE ends. im gonna watch it til the end, but that was my two cents. can't wait for a Clark / Davis (Doomsday) battle! Lois + Clark = yay : )

D Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 10:16 PM EST

Lanacentered WRATH(4.8) still topped anyepiosdes this season!!!

Kerrri Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 07:09 PM EST

lois got such a old looking face. she looks like she is in her late 40s. So this is it for Kara, just one episode and she is gone for good. They should try to do something to bring her back. Less Lois, more Kara and Chloe less Green Arrow and more Clark.

johnthomas3 Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

SMALLVILLE AND Tom Welling have done a GREAT job so far this season. CW should realize that smallville and Tom Welling need to be signed to 2 more seasons. CW NEEDS to give Tom Welling a Great contract and let him direct more episodes

Shaula Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 03:10 PM EST

YAY for Supernatural! I'm so happy to see the ratings this season. And I hope to see them getting better and better!

As for Smallville... I can't believe how good it is. Since season 5 was a bit.... yeah, ewwwww.... But now with the new cast and especially with more Lois and Clark, the stories are pretty great!

Jeffrey Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 01:21 PM EST

Hey, and if those are implants, I'd take that "old goat with implants" in a heartbeat. Lois is smoking, smoking hot this season, never more so than when possessed this week.

Jeffrey Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

I agree with Kayla, it's surprising how good this season of Smallville is. This particular ensemble of actors has not got me missing Lex Luthor at all, and I was sure the show would suffer a lot without him. Excellent story arcs in place; sorry, I can't agree with criticisms of Lois, she is the best fit of actor to character of any Lois Lane casting in any version. The actor who plays Davis is incredibly good. Yes, I miss Kara too, but the current story doesn't need 2 supers, and if the show were to exceed past 8 or 9 seasons they could introduce a new arc with her return, having found Kandor. I think they know exactly what they're doing. And, again, strangely, I'm looking forward to Lana's upcoming return/arc because I think that their "closure" of the romance was pretty weak after 7 seasons of buildup.

Kayla Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

I was really surprised to see how good this season of Smallville is getting!

Joey Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 11:55 AM EST

Season 9 can concentrate all season on the formation of the Justice League...would be great to see more future superheroes like WWoman, Batman, etc. The good thing about this show is that it made it on its own, where I don't even care if he ever becomes Superman. SMan is not him in a costume. The Sman movies seem 2b a totally different entity now-a-days. Long Live SMV!

Joey Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

If Smallville were to end this season, then Supernatural will have to become the lead in on Thursdays with a new show. I think SMV has potential to go in more season. Just proves to show, SMV is surviving and thriving w/o Lex and Lana. Ms. Tess Macer and Doomsday are filling the villian gap great.

Bobbi Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

Get rid of the old goat Lois and bring back Kara. The ratings are saying that they want Supergirl back and not that old goat Lois with the fake silicone implants.

Kate Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 06:32 AM EST

Yay for Supernatural!

unknown Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 05:30 AM EST

Nice. I love Supernatural, and i think i'm starting to like Smallville too!

Ladiesman217 Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 03:33 AM EST

I think Smallville will return for Season 9, It's getting 1.7 Million viewers more then Gossip Girl, 1.1 Million more then Supernatural, 1.8 Million more then One Tree Hill, It's the top rated show on THE CW, Let's hope it reaches 5 Million next week or even 9 Million, Maybe it won't reach 9 Million, but that would be so awesome.

evelyn27 Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 02:02 AM EST

Yay for Supernautral and Smallville, although I missed most of the episode, I thought Smallville was pretty good, and Supernatural was just awsome! Loved T. Bear.

Matt Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 10:22 PM EST

With Life On Mars growing for the third consecutive week, I think it's safe to say it has earned the right to a full season committment from ABC. Afterall, according to Variety.com all three ABC shows had higher ratings this Thursday compared to last Thursday

Paula Howley Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 09:35 PM EST

I am so excited about the ratings for Smallville and Supernatural. I also find it insane that the CW isn't promoting these fantastic quality shows. Tom Welling has really come into his own this year!!

CandyMaize Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 09:21 PM EST

I'm am beyond thrilled that Supernatural continues to do as well as it is ratings-wise .. and during sweeps too!! This season's episodes have been pretty phenomenal - each week I'm just 'dying' until it Thursday night again and I get a new episode!!

jcpdiesel21 Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

I'm glad to read that the ratings are going up for Supernatural! Hopefully us fans won't be kept in limbo regarding season 5 and it will be guaranteed due to the good ratings.

Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 08:28 PM EST

Yay for Supernatural! It's such a shame it's opposite The Office and and whichever CSI happens to be airing Thursdays.

Amy Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 08:18 PM EST

Supernatural has been my favorite show for the last few years. It is a great show and it keeps getting better!!!

wizkid Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 07:48 PM EST

Heck yes! Smallville is the best freaking show ever! This season is freaking awesome! I definately hope they make a Season 9!

Michelle Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 07:41 PM EST

Yay for Smallville! That's awesome news. The show's been on FIRE this year!

scott Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 07:25 PM EST

Smallville has been on a role lately with the quality of the episodes and the ratings as well. Smallville and Supernatural is a great night of tv and isn't it ironic that the CW's highest rated shows are the one they don't promote.

Donetta Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 07:20 PM EST

I love Smallville and Supernatural Supernatural is as scary and as funny as any movies in the theaters right now!! Dean is the best good little bad boy on TV

Mikey M Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

Bet will be giving Smallville another season. Although it has been good this season it is time to find an end game to this show.
As far as Supernatural goes, hard to believe they slashed the budget on this show for...90210.

TIM JAMES Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

Supernatural is a show pretending to be supernatural. Really its just different acts of violence and right before the violence, their eyes turn black. And oh, two brothers hunt them down. It ain't no X-files.

joe d Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 06:13 PM EST

Life on Mars is a really cool show. This one is going to last

Gabriela Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 05:13 PM EST

seriously what's with the CW no giving a proper promotion to these shows geez!!! Look how Smallville is doing it climbing each week and yet the CW keep insisting in promoting 90210 Sucklysta and Gossip Girl,....Instead or recycling and destroying old shows (aka 90210 and future Melrose Place) the CW should be ficus in what it has and what is actually is saving its but from bankrupt.

David Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

I wonder if most people were like me and only turned on Smallville because Kath&Kim sucks.

Kris Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 04:36 PM EST

Fantastic for Supernatural - I am a late convert (watched most of the 3rd season on TV, then bought all 3 seasons on DVD and watched them all in a little over a week). I could not believe what I missed not watching the first couple of years - as an XFiles/Millennium/Lost fan, this is right up my alley. The family now knows to leave me alone from 9-10 on Thursday (plus with the DVR I rewatch for anything I missed).

Sulaf Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

Great news for Supernatural ... kudos to everyone involved, keep it up.

Delon Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

I'm glad that Ugly Betty's numbers are up, but seems like even Oprah can't help 30 Rock catch a break.

Carrie Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

Yay for "Smallville" & "Supernatural"! They deserved the boost in ratings. Both shows were terrific last night and "Supernatural" made me laugh so hard, I was crying.

rachel elisabeth Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

Go SPN!

Kathy B Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

Great news for Supernatural & Smallville. Maybe the CW will finally get behind these shows.

Stef Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

I'm so pleased about Supernatural. Last night's episode was really a great example of why I love the show so much. Hilarious, scary, and it made me shed a tear or two.


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