'CSI' is the night's most-watched show, 'Grey's Anatomy' wins demo

Fast National ratings for Thursday, April 23, 2009

The first night of sweeps was a busy one, with all the networks returning to original programming. It was not, however, a hugely watched night.

CBS led the overall race with a 7.0 rating/12 share, beating out ABC's 6.2/10. FOX came in third with a 4.8/8. NBC, 4.3/7, finished fourth, and The CW trailed with a 1/9/3.

ABC topped the adults 18-49 demographic with a 3.2. CBS was right behind at 3.1. NBC took third at 2.7, followed by FOX, 2.6, and The CW, 1.2.

"Survivor: Tocantins" scored a 6.9/12 to give CBS the lead at 8 p.m. "Bones," 5.4/9, finished second for FOX. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun on ABC tied NBC's "My Name Is Earl," 3.5/6, and "Parks and Recreation," 3.4/6, in households, but NBC snagged a few more total viewers. "Smallville" recorded a 2.0/3 for The CW.

CBS held the overall lead at 9 thanks to "CSI," 9.2/14. "Grey's Anatomy" drew an 8.8/14 for ABC (and was the night's top show in the 18-49 demo). "Hell's Kitchen" drew a 4.3/7 for FOX, edging "The Office," 4.4/7, and "30 Rock," 3.9/6, on NBC. The CW's "Supernatural" fell off a little bit from its lead-in.

"Private Practice," 6.4/11, moved ABC to the top spot at 10. The increased competition meant a ratings dip for NBC's "Southland" (5.3/9), but the cop show still beat "Harper's Island," 5.0/9, on CBS.

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