TIED! BUT EDGED OUT.

TIED! BUT EDGED OUT.

Release Date:

March 4, 2006

Press Release:

Tribune Media Services and AC Neilsen Ratings

Los Angeles, CA -- Fast National ratings for Friday, March 3, 2006

The move of "Las Vegas" to Friday -- along with "Deal or No Deal" -- boosted NBC's performance on the night, but CBS still took the overall ratings crown.

CBS averaged a 7.6 rating/13 share in primetime Friday, with NBC a close second at 7.1/12. ABC was third at 5.0/8. UPN grabbed fourth with a 2.5/4, beating out FOX, 2.3/4, and The WB, 1.9/3.

NBC did take the top spot among adults 18-49, earning a 3.7 rating in the demographic prized by advertisers.

CBS finished second at 3.4.

ABC, 2.3, came in third, with UPN fourth at 1.5. FOX and The WB each averaged 1.2.

"Deal or No Deal," 7.6/13, tied CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" for the lead among households at 8 p.m. (CBS had a slight edge in total viewers, while NBC led the 18-49 pack). ABC took third with "America's Funniest Home Videos," 4.9/8. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN was fourth, edging out the NAACP Image Awards, 2.2/4, on FOX. The WB trailed with "What I Like About You" and "Living with Fran."

CBS took sole possession of first place at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.6/12. "Las Vegas" posted a 6.9/11 for NBC -- a little off its Monday average (7.6/11) but not too bad considering fewer people watch TV on Fridays.

"In Justice" kept ABC in third. "Smackdown!" delivered a 2.6/4 for UPN, edging the Image Awards on FOX. The WB aired a "Reba" repeat, 2.3/4, and the season finale of "Twins," 2.0/3.

At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" scored a 7.7/13 to beat the premiere of "Conviction," 6.7/11, on NBC. ABC's "20/20" came in at 5.7/10.

All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.

Story: © 2006 Tribune Media Services and Nielsen Media Research, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
Image: © 2005 Touchstone Television LLC - a Walt Disney Company and Paramount Pictures Corporation - a Viacom Company. All Rights Reserved.