NBC captured some solid Nielsen numbers with its 400th episode of “Law & Order: SVU” last night — but that doesn’t mean it won the night.
In a tie with Fox, Bob Greenblatt’s broadcast network finished runner-up to ABC in the key 18-49 demographic. NBC was second to CBS among overall audience.
ABC actually finished fourth in eyeballs, falling behind Fox by an average of just 3,000 total viewers across primetime. It’s important to remember that ABC, CBS and NBC nationally program three hours per weeknight, while Fox and CW just do two.
ABC was first in ratings with a 1.5 rating/5 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, but fourth in total viewers with an average of 5.222 million, according to preliminary numbers. “The Goldbergs” at 8 p.m. posted a 1.7/7 and 6.1 million viewers. At 8:30, “Speechless” put up a 1.6/6 and 5.5 million viewers. “Modern Family” at 9 scored a 2.2/8 and 7.2 million viewers. At 9:30, “Black-ish” landed a 1.6/5 and 5.4 million viewers. The first half-hour of “Match Game” in the 10 o’clock hour had a 1.0/4 and 3.6 million viewers, the second got a 0.9/4 and 3.5 million viewers.
NBC and Fox tied for second in ratings, both with a 1.3/5. NBC was second in total viewers with 5.9 million, Fox was third with 5.225 million.
For NBC, “Blindspot” at 8 received a 0.9/3 and 4.6 million viewers. At 9, “SVU” garnered a 1.6/6 and 6.8 million viewers. “Chicago PD” at 10 locked up a 1.3/5 and 6.3 million viewers.
For Fox, “Lethal Weapon” at 8 had a 1.3/5 and 6.2 million viewers. “Star” at 9 got a 1.3/4 and 4.2 million viewers.
CBS was fourth in ratings with a 1.1/4, but first in viewers with 6 million. “Hunted” at 8 had a 1.2/5 and 5.3 million viewers. At 9, “Criminal Minds” got a 1.2/4 and 6.7 million viewers. The “Code Black” season finale at 10 received a 0.9/3 and 6 million viewers.
Univision was fifth in ratings with a 0.7/2 and in viewers with 2 million.
Telemundo and CW tied for sixth in ratings, both with a 0.5/2. Telemundo was sixth in total viewers with 1.4 million, CW was seventh with 1.3 million.
For CW, “Arrow” at 8 managed a 0.6/2 and 1.6 million viewers. “The 100” at 9 settled for a 0.4/1 and 1 million viewers.