'Dancing' results boost ABC's numbers, 'Law & Order' premiere soft

Fast National ratings for Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008

NBC's reworked Wednesday lineup didn't give much a boost to the network's fortunes on the night, which once again saw CBS score a ratings win.

CBS averaged a 7.2 rating/11 share in primetime, narrowly beating ABC's 7.0/11. FOX came in third with a 5.3/8. NBC, 4.1/7, came in fourth, and The CW trailed at 2.0/3.

FOX grabbed the top spot among adults 18-49 with a 3.0 rating, with CBS, 2.9, and ABC, 2.8, right behind. NBC managed only a 1.9 as it finished fourth. The CW drew a 1.5.

The "Dancing with the Stars" results show, 10.2/16, easily won the 8 p.m. hour for ABC. The return of "Bones" from baseball hiatus scored a 6.2/10 for FOX. "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried" put CBS in third. NBC's "Knight Rider" had its worst outing of the fall, drawing a 3.3/5. "America's Next Top Model" posted a 2.6/4 for The CW.

CBS took the lead at 9 p.m. with "Criminal Minds," 9.3/14. "Private Practice," 6.4/10, took second for ABC. A "House" rerun, 4.3/7, topped the Wednesday debut of "Life," 3.7/6, on NBC. "Stylista" brought up the rear for The CW.

"CSI: NY," 7.9/13, kept CBS on top at 10 p.m. The season premiere of "Law & Order," 5.3/9, was well of its average from last season but at least improved significantly on its lead-in. "Dirty Sexy Money" earned a 4.3/7 for ABC.

Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.