George Clooney's return boosts 'ER' numbers

Fast National ratings for Thursday, March 12, 2009

CBS claimed its customary spot atop the Nielsen ratings Thursday, while a cast reunion on "ER" -- including the return of George Clooney -- gave the show its best numbers in some time.

CBS averaged an 8.3 rating/13 share for the night to finish comfortably ahead of second-place ABC, 6.7/11. FOX came in third with a 5.2/8. NBC, 4.6/7, was fourth, while The CW came in at 2.0/3.

The big four nets were tightly bunched in the adults 18-49 demographic, but CBS came out on top with a 3.7 rating. ABC took second at 3.5, and NBC and FOX tied for third at 3.1. The CW earned a 1.3.

"Survivor: Tocantins" put CBS on top at 8 o'clock with a 7.4/12. "Bones," 5.9/10, finished second for FOX. "Ugly Betty" drew a 4.9/8 for ABC. A "My Name Is Earl" rerun and "Kath & Kim" came in fourth for NBC, while "Smallville" pulled down a 2.2/4 for The CW.

CBS held the overall lead at 9 p.m. with "CSI," 10.3/16. "Grey's Anatomy" (9.0/14), however, led the hour among adults 18-49. "Hell's Kitchen" delivered a 4.5/7 for FOX, edging "The Office," 4.5/7, and "30 Rock," 3.9/6, on NBC. The CW's "Supernatural" trailed.

At 10 p.m., CBS' "Eleventh Hour" grabbed the most viewers with a 7.4/12, but "ER," 6.9/12, led the 18-49 demo and snagged its biggest audience of the season. "Private Practice" averaged 6.3/11 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.