The Big Bang Theory Retains Viewers Despite Idol

THE BIG BANG THEORY still bangEd Loudly opposite "American Idol," retaining 97% of its viewers and 95% of its adults 18-49 rating compared to its last first-run episode, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for Thursday, Jan. 20.

THE BIG BANG THEORY was second in households (8.1/13), viewers (13.58m), adults 25-54 (5.5/14) and adults 18-49 (4.2/12). Compared to the last first-run episode (on Jan. 6, 2011), THE BIG BANG THEORY retained 96% of its adults 25-54 rating (from 5.7/15), 95% of its adults 18-49 rating (from 4.4/13) and 97% of viewers (from 13.98m).

Compared to the program's first-run live plus same day season delivery, THE BIG BANG THEORY was virtually even in adults 18-49 (from 4.3/13), even in adults 25-54 and added +420,000 viewers (from 13.16m, +3%).

$#*! MY DAD SAYS was second in households (6.2/10), viewers (10.29m), adults 25-54 (3.9/09) and averaged a 2.7/09 in adults 18-49. Compared to last week, $#*! MY DAD SAYS added +150,000 viewers (from 10.14m, +1%).

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION was first in households (8.5/13), viewers (14.29m), adults 25-54 (4.5/11) and averaged a 3.1/08 in adults 18-49. Compared to the last first-run episode (on Jan. 6, 2011), CSI was even in adults 25-54 and added +70,000 viewers (from 14.22m). This was CSI's largest audience since Oct. 21, 2010.

THE MENTALIST was first in households (9.1/15), viewers (14.66m), adults 25-54 (4.1/11) and adults 18-49 (2.8/08).

For the night, CBS was second in households (8.3/13), viewers (13.63m), adults 25-54 (4.4/11) and adults 18-49 (3.1/08).

Updated Thursday ratings will be available this afternoon.