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MAD, MINUTES, AMAZING Up!! FAMILY, DAD, CLEVELAND Down!! HOUSEWIVES & SISTERS Hit New Lows!! Sunday Ratings!!

Published at:  Nov 11, 2009 1:15:59 PM CST

I am – Hercules!!

Sunday 18-49 Finals (prior weeks in parentheses):

8.5 (----) (5.9) (7.2) (6.2) (7.4) (6.8) NBC Sunday Night Football
6.8 (----) (----) (8.6) (----) (----) (----) CBS Football Overrun
4.4 (5.0) (4.7) (4.6) (4.6) (5.0) (4.7) Desperate Housewives
4.1 (----) (----) (4.2) (4.5) (5.1) (5.2) Family Guy (9 p.m.)
3.8 (2.2) (2.1) (3.2) (3.5) (2.2) (3.2) 60 Minutes
3.7 (----) (----) (----) (----)(----) (----) Family Guy (8 p.m.)
3.5 (3.3) (3.4) (3.3) (3.3) (2.8) (3.4) The Amazing Race
3.4 (----) (----) (----) (----)(----) (----) Family Guy Presents
3.2 (----) (----) (3.8) (3.9) (4.4) (4.9) The Cleveland Show
3.0 (3.3) (3.0) (3.0) (3.0) (3.4) (3.1) Extreme Makeover: HE
2.9 (3.3) (3.3) (3.2) (3.0) (3.2) (3.0) Brothers & Sisters
2.0 (----) (----) (3.1) (3.5) (3.6) (3.6) American Dad
2.0 (2.0) (2.3) (1.9) (2.2) (2.2) (----) AFH Videos
1.8 (1.6) (1.7) (1.9) (1.7) (1.9) (----) Three Rivers
1.7 (1.7) (1.8) (----) (1.9) (2.2) (2.1) Cold Case
1.7 (----) (----) (----) (----)(----) (----) Keeping Up With The Kardashians
1.4 (----) (----) (0.8) (1.0) (----) (----) Brothers
1.0 (0.5) (0.7) (0.8) (1.2) (----) (----) Girls Next Door
0.9 (----) (1.0) (----) (----) (----) (----) The Next Iron Chef
0.9 (0.9) (0.8) (0.7) (0.5) (0.6) (----) Dexter
0.8 (0.7) (0.6) (0.5) (0.6) (0.7) (0.6) Mad Men
0.4 (0.4) (0.4) (0.3) (0.3) (0.4) (----) Californication
0.3 (0.4) (0.4) (0.5) (0.5) (0.7) (0.6) Curb Your Enthusiasm
0.3 (0.4) (0.3) (0.3) (0.3) (0.5) (----) Bored To Death

Figures in grey represent repeats.

* “60 Minutes” (featuring an interview with former hairpiece aficionado and methlete Andre Agassi) and “The Amazing Race” both hit season highs coming out of CBS’ football overrun

* The “Man Men” season finale hit its best number since its season premiere. (It’s still a pretty sad number for the best show on TV; more than twice as many tuned in to see an oversized Kardashian marry into the NBA.)

* “Desperate Housewives,” still Sunday’s top scripted show, hit an all-time series low. “Brothers & Sisters” hit a season low.

* “Family Guy,” “The Cleveland Show” and “American Dad” all made post-baseball returns and all hit season lows.

* The live-action special “Family Guy Presents Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show,” which bridged both new episodes of “Family Guy,” appeared to drag down all the network’s biggest Sunday hits.

James Hibberd’s analysis is here.



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    + Expand All

    Readers Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 6:55:09 PM CST

    no subject

    by deandome

    Half the size audience, but Mad Men viewers probby have 5X the spending power of the trailer-trash Kardashian set...and FIRST

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 6:56:40 PM CST

    Half the Size...

    by deandome

    ..but the Mad Men viewers probby have 5X the the spending power of the trailer-trash Kardashian set...and FIRST

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:18:55 PM CST

    Family Guy Special

    by dougmckenzie

    The Marlee Matlin bit, which was probably close to half the running time of the damn thing, was stupid and unfunny. Seth has always been hit and miss, but usually his misses are the 15 second bits during his show not a 7-8 minute long segment that had me bored and embarrassed for Alex Borstein.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:32:07 PM CST

    That's a lesson for FOX...

    by linguo_is_dead

    Don't underestimate the SImpsons as your lead in show. It's been on for 20 years for a reason. (And screw Seth McFarlane and his brand of "comedy"..."That was worse then when the (insert name) went to the (insert location) to (insert unlikely situation)"...crap, I say!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:36:29 PM CST

    It's a sad fucking commentary when...

    by somerichs

    more people watch garbage like the Kardashians (why the fuck does that show even exist, for fuck's sake?) than quality programming like Mad Men. Makes me fucking hate people. But goddamn how great was Mad Men last night? By far the best episode of the season...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:37:03 PM CST

    James Hibberd must die

    by billboefett

    along with Billy Bush

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:47:13 PM CST

    So how many viewers would V need for a TB?

    by jaysin420

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:48:43 PM CST

    Fox needs to diversify their cartoons a little bit.

    by snapt

    Seth MacFarlane's fine and dandy, but he doesn't have to be the creator of EVERY animated show on Fox that isn't THE SIMPSONS. They're gonna spread him way too thin.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 7:57:02 PM CST

    Edelweiss brought a tear to my eye....

    by jimbojones123

    And always will. I would watch again if they sang it again. I have no shame about it either.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 8:03:38 PM CST

    Explain the Mad Men love to me.

    by mapman

    I've just about finished the first season and I'm not overly enthusiastic about continuing with season 2. With all the hype and accolades I was expecting more but it seems to just be a soap opera set in the 60s. The smoking, drinking and sexist attitudes are interesting but not enough to keep my interest.
    What do fans have to say? Does it change much in season 2 or is it more of the same?
    Herc is always praising this show but I'm not feeling it. Best scripted show on TV is a bit of a hyperbole to me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 8:41:51 PM CST

    “If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.”

    by harrys_site_sucks

    The same goes to asking about the Mad Men love. If you don't get it, you never will

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 8:54:52 PM CST

    America Loves the Cowboys

    by angrysnowmonkey

    Cowboys or Steelers = big ratings.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 9:17:17 PM CST

    One awesome joke in the McFarlane special

    by tall_boy66

    The "Gregory Peck plays Optimus Prime" bit. Overall the show was very hit or miss with more misses than hits, but surprised Herc would totally dislike it because he's an SNL fan fer crissakes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 10:23:12 PM CST

    Seth MacFarlane fucking sucks

    by nasty in the pasty

    I wish *I* could get paid $100 frigging million just for pointing at shit made in the 80's and going "Hey, remember THIS...?"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 10:46:35 PM CST

    Mapman

    by redjester

    This reminds me of when people would ask what made The Wire so special and if it got better. You either get it or you don't and you obviously don't. To answer your question, no I don't think you should bother with the second and third seasons. Don't waste your time.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 10, 2009 11:33:42 PM CST

    RedJester

    by mapman

    I'm not trying to be an asshole here and bait people or troll. I honestly want to know what people thoughts are as to why they like the show. Trite answers like that aren't forwarding the discourse. I don't think it just has to be one of those things that you get or you don't. I can list tangible reasons why I like or don't like a show.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 12:07:20 AM CST

    MapMan

    by maxwell's hammer

    I think there is something to be said for 'not getting it', but I don't suppose that's a bad thing. My reaction after season 1 was the opposite of yours. I felt the show wasn't a typical soap opera. There are certainly melodramatic elements, but even if you removed the secret identity, these would still be fascinating characters who I would gladly watch (and do gladly watch weekly) as they go about experiencing rather mundane events like dinner with the in-laws, inner-office politicking, having dinner parties, and whatever. The subtly with which season long arcs are played out always stuns me. There is an incredible economy of storytelling that never beats you over the head with what the ultimate purpose is going to be (example: the several short scenes of Betty doing laundry that led up to a pretty pivotal event that I will not spoil for you in case you make it to season 3). This isn't a show about vampires or drug deals or dirty cops or action hero bad-asses. It's just normal people (yes, even Don) doing nothing out of the ordinary, but being fascinating while they're doing it.

    Now that may not be your cup of tea, and I think that may be what RedJester meant when he suggested you 'don't get it'. But for those of us who dig un-hyped (the actual stories, not the media coverage) drama and a subtle and controlled story-telling with no gimmicks, this show is the best that there is.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 12:27:00 AM CST

    Thanks mh

    by mapman

    Now we're getting somewhere.
    Calling it a soap opera was a bit harsh. I'd like to hear some more thoughts about the show. I have an office-mate who is a big fan and was hooked right off the bat. I'm intrigued enough to watch some more.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 2:36:03 AM CST

    I didn't mean to be so blunt Mapman

    by redjester

    It's just that trying to convince someone they should like something seems like a complete waste of time for both parties. You either like something or you don't. No point watching a show you don't and will likely never appreciate.

    And what's the point of me trying to convince you?? That's like me saying, "I just saw Citizen Kane, and that Orson Welles can't act for shit! Now convince me that I am wrong and why I should give his movies a second chance!"

    It's all a little pointless is all.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 5:29:12 AM CST

    Map Man

    by inactionman

    The appeal of Mad Men like any great piece of art is that it operates on several different levels.

    You can just watch the narrative of Don trying to hide his, secret identity and cheat on his wife. Pete's naked ambition, Peggy's drive to be more than just a secretary in a world dominated by men, or Sal living in constant fear of his homosexuality being discovered. But, the show is also about the moment that America changed from a culture completely dominated by strait white Christian men to our time where while not a complete meritocracy the playing field has been leveled quite a bit.

    The show is also about how the American dream is not the path to happiness. In season three Peggy hits the audience over the head with it by saying to Don ( I am paraphrasing a bit) "You have everything and so much of it." Don really does have it all: looks, money, prestige, a successful career, a beautiful wife, a home in the suburbs, more hot and cold running pussy than any one man could handle and the guy is fucking miserable.

    It has another level of Don as a metaphor for America itself. A country that "Has it all" but, many of its citizens are very unhappy.

    I still think that Don may actually be nuts. That all the Dick Whitman stuff is a story that his very creative mind makes up to justify his actions.

    There are probably three or four deeper layers that I am missing or are not coming to mind at the moment but, you need to look a little deeper than the narrative to appreciate the show's charms.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 6:39:51 AM CST

    Family Guy Presents had 2 funny jokes.

    by v'shael

    For those who didn't see it :
    When Alex was complaining (as a Jew) about Seth singing Adelweiss. He said "You should be happy about the holocaust. If it wasn't for that, think how many jewish female comediennes you'd be in competition with. Now, it's just you and Sara Silverman." Alex thinks about it for a second, then starts singing Adelweiss.

    The whole bit with Marlee Matlin was funny. Deaf chicks are hot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 7:18:39 AM CST

    Mad Men

    by the new transported man

    I almost died when, in season 2, the Drapers go on a picnic & leave all of their trash. It effectively reminded me that we're not supposed to like the Drapers. They suck.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 7:23:17 AM CST

    transport man, that's the problem with Mad Man

    by stabby

    You have lead characters that are completely unlikable and not in a good way as in dark comedy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Numbers? Lame.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 9:30:29 AM CST

    Family Guy Fans

    by series7

    The video of Chris at night, Paranormal Activity spoof, right? I'm in a disagreement with some other people and there is a good bit of money involved I need some outside opinions.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 9:54:57 AM CST

    I now know why Microsoft dropped out of the special

    by rob0729

    I thought it was because of the racy content, but it was because the show really, really sucked. There were a few funny jokes, but for the most part it was embarrassing for McFarlane and Bornstein.
    I love Family Guy, but that is the only thing that McFarlane has done that is remotely funny. Can't watch either American Dad or the Cleveland Show. His DVD of bits was awful. Seth really saves his best bits for the Family Guy and everything else he does gets table scraps.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 9:59:31 AM CST

    American Dad was on? What time?

    by big jim

    There were 3 Family Guy Episodes and a Cleveland Show. My math makes that 2 hours which covers Fox primetime (8:00 - 10:00)."The video of Chris at night, Paranormal Activity spoof, right?"Maybe, but I think you are over-analyzing it, giving them too much credit. The joke was, despite all the stuff that happens to him when he sleeps, he doesn't catch the monkey, so he dismisses it as "nothing happening".

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 10:12:34 AM CST

    I know

    by series7

    Also Fam Guys are made a while ago, so spoofing PA this close wouldn't seem possible. I don't know. Can we get a hold of Seth to find out?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 10:15:24 AM CST

    American Dad

    by series7

    I remember it being good, but for the life of me can't remember what it was about...I was drinking.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 10:31:48 AM CST

    I know what Jazz is.

    by gotilk

    It's what metal guitarists do after they turn 30 as an alternative to overdosing or putting a bullet in their brains. Ha ha just kidding. That's blues.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 12:17:51 PM CST

    You think that's bad...

    by the gipper

    Remember the time that it was revealed that manatees are the show writers for "Family Guy"?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 12:52:23 PM CST

    Good stuff re: Mad Men

    by mapman

    What you're saying is starting to sink in. Thanks fellas.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 1:08:34 PM CST

    American Dad aired at 7:30 instead of 9:30

    by bouncy x

  • Nov 11, 2009 1:22:33 PM CST

    Clevland shouldn't have got his own show

    by burnednotice_dude

    Instead I would have loved for Brian to get his own show. Love that crazy dog.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 1:53:25 PM CST

    Lamar Odom

    by alwaysthere

    Good luck man.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 2:11:32 PM CST

    InActionMan..

    by gene_parmesan

    "I still think that Don may actually be nuts. That all the Dick Whitman stuff is a story that his very creative mind makes up to justify his actions."

    That's an interesting theory and not one that I've thought of. But would the whole scene with Campbell telling Cooper about it negate that? Unless, Don is dreaming that up too? If so, and they decide to reveal that, I wonder what other interactions will be attributed to Don's craziness? Maybe Sal isn't really gay, and Don only imagined him getting a tuggie from the bellhop. I would be disappointed if they go this route with Don being crazy. It would be too Patrick Duffy/Dallas/JR Getting Shot-ish.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 3:36:23 PM CST

    DOLLHOUSE CANCELLED!!!!

    by bouncy x

    yeah i wanted to make it seem important. i can't wait to see the talkback about it, it'll be all sorts of fun. :P

    Reply to Talkback

  • but Mcfarlane does have a lovely singing voice...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 4:18:24 PM CST

    skimn, I second that emotion

    by axcel1

    The best part of the special was Mcfarlane's singing.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 4:21:10 PM CST

    Oh, and, BurnedNotice_Dude.................

    by axcel1

    Glenn Quagmire should have gotten his own show. Just my opinion.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 4:35:14 PM CST

    The secret to enjoying Mad Men...

    by rhuragh

    ...is simply that these are the best scripted characters outside of The Wire and In Treatment. The hook is that the show is set in a pivotal time in modern cultural history. And what better way to experience shifting cultural trends than from the offices of a business devoted to shaping culture (through materialism and consumerism)?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 5:48:22 PM CST

    VERERANS DAY

    by drmorbius

    I would like to personally thank all the men and women serving in our Armed Force, past and present, for their service to our country. It is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 11, 2009 6:02:13 PM CST

    Gene_Parmesan

    by inactionman

    Remember that the way Pete found out about Dick Whitman was he opened the package in Don's office that Dick's brother sent there. What if Don sent the package to himself to help support his delusions.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 11, 2010 9:00:33 PM CST

    ???

    by orcus

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