'Moment of Truth' carries FOX to a demographic victory

Fast National ratings for Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008

The final night of the Democratic National Convention brought some bigger numbers to the Big Three networks, but CBS won the race on the backs of its regular programming.

CBS averaged a 4.4 rating/7 share in primetime to win the night. ABC, 3.8/6, finished second in households, but FOX, 3.7/6, had a few more total viewers. NBC was not far behind at 3.4/5. The CW trailed with a 1.5/2.

FOX, thanks to "The Moment of Truth," led among adults 18-49 with a 2.1 rating. CBS was a close second at 2.0, and ABC and NBC tied for third at 1.7. The CW drew a 0.7.

"Big Brother 10" gave CBS the lead at 8 p.m. with a 5.0/8. An "Ugly Betty" rerun earned a 3.6/6 for ABC, beating the 3.2/5 for "The Moment of Truth" on FOX. A preseason NFL game on NBC finished fourth, doubling the 1.6/3 for a "Smallville" rerun on The CW.

CBS held the lead at 9 p.m. with "CSI," 5.2/8. FOX moved into second with another hour of "The Moment of Truth," 4.2/7. "Grey's Anatomy" posted a 3.8/6 for ABC. NBC's NFL game delivered a 3.1/5. The CW's "Supernatural" fell slightly from its lead-in.

Barack Obama's acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president brought the best across-the-board ratings for the convention at 10 p.m. NBC led with a 4.1/7, followed by ABC, 4.0/6, and CBS, 3.2/5.

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