Fox was the top-rated network in the key demographic Tuesday on the strength of "The New Girl," but "Breaking In" returned to soft numbers after barely escaping cancellation last season. CBS was the most-watched network and an "NCIS" rerun the most-watched show, according to preliminary numbers.
Despite leading in the 18-49 demographic with a 2.1 rating/6 share, Fox was only the fourth most-watched network with 4.5 million total viewers. "Raising Hope" at 8 p.m. had a 2.1/6 in the demo and 4.8 million total viewers, flat with its last episode two weeks ago. "I Hate My Teenage Daughter" had a 1.6/4 and 3.8 million, down 20 percent from its last airing Dec. 21, when it had an "X Factor" lead-in. "The New Girl" at 9 had a 3.0/8 and 6 million, flat with its last episode two weeks ago. "Breaking In" returned to a 1.7/4 and 3.6 million. Though 1.7 isn't an impressive rating, it was up 31 percent from its season one finale May 17.
CBS was the second-highest rated network and the most watched with a 1.9/5 and 11.5 million total viewers, despite airing all repeats. An "NCIS" rerun at 8 was the second highest-rated show with a 2.4/7 and the most-watched show with 14.4 million total viewers.
NBC was the third-highest rated network with a 1.6/4 in the demo and the second most-watched network with 4.9 million total viewers. "The Biggest Loser" at 8 had a 1.9/5 and 5.7 million total viewers. Super Tuesday coverage beginning at 9 had a 1.0/3 and 3.1 million.
ABC was the fourth highest-rated network with a 1.3/4 rating in the demo and the third-most watched with 4.6 million total viewers. It aired reruns at 8 and 10. At 8:30, "Cougar Town" had a 1.5/4 and 4.4 million, hitting a series low. At 9, "The River" also had a 1.5/4 and had 4.2 million total viewers. The rating tied its lowest.
