'DEADBEAT DADS' IS #1

Fast National ratings for Friday, May 2, 2008

Friday was a typically quiet night in the Nielsen ratings, and just as typically, CBS rode its drama series to a comfortable win.

CBS averaged a 5.8 rating/10 share for the night, easily beating NBC, 4.0/7. ABC took third at 3.2/6. The CW, 2.3/4, edged FOX, 2.1/4, for fourth.

The adults 18-49 demographic also belonged to CBS, which led the way with a 2.2 rating. NBC finished second at 1.7, and ABC and The CW tied for third at 1.2. FOX drew a 1.1.

"Ghost Whisperer" led off the night for CBS with a 5.9/11 at 8 p.m. A "20/20" special, "Secrets of the Sistine Chapel," earned a 4.3/8 for ABC. "Most Outrageous Moments" delivered a 3.5/6 for NBC. "Friday Night Smackdown!" put The CW in fourth, just ahead of the movie "Are We There Yet?," 2.0/4, on FOX .

CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. with "Moonlight," 5.0/9. NBC moved into second with "Dateline," 4.1/7. ABC was third in households with "Duel," 2.6/5, but The CW brought in more viewers with "Smackdown!," 2.5/4. FOX's movie brought up the rear.

"Numb3rs" completed the CBS at 10 p.m. with a 6.4/12, the night's best rating. A second hour of "Dateline" posted a 4.6/8 for NBC, while "20/20" drew a 2.8/5 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.