Wow. The Closer really is the biggest drama on cable

And I thought TNT was just "spinning" when they said that in their ads.
Nope. The Closer is watched by 3.6% of the nation.

Makes Sci-Fi Channel's 1.2-1.3 galactica/stargate ratings look small.

Barry Margolin...

Not surprising -- "genre" shows generally don't do as well as
traditional cop dramas.

David...

Sci-Fi shows may be better buys for advertisers, though. They have
devoted audiences who pay close attention whereas "The Closer" may be
something people just stumble onto or have on in the background.

Barry Margolin...

If only 2/3 of the Closer viewers are actually paying attention, that's
still twice the Galactica viewers (going by the numbers above).

bklyntv...

I don't know about that. Couldn't you use the same line of reasoning to
say Sci-Fi shows are more likely to be recorded/time-shifted and hence,
viewers fast-forward through the commericals?

Also, a number of cable franchises have moved Sci-Fi Channel to their
digital tiers, but I think TNT is still on basic, analog cable in most
areas. That means the channel is available to more customers.

"The Closer" is even more popular than the WB/UPN (CW) network's
programs, beating Gilmore Girls, Smallville, even Top Model.

altec3220...

You have to be careful when comparing cable to broadcast because many
of the numbers available for cable programs are coverage ratings -- the

fred_h_haddad...

I used the National ratings (straight from Nielsen), not the false,
media-spun coverage ratings.

percentage of homes with access to the cable channel -- and not the
national household number. I am not sure where you got the 3.6 for The
Closer but it may be the coverage rating, not the national rating.

Still, The Closer is doing quite well for cable. Quite well, indeed.

12/04-12/10/2006

1 7.2 NFL REGULAR SEASON L (PANTHERS/EAGLES)
2 3.6 CLOSER, THE
3 3.1 WWE RAW
4 2.9 WWE RAW
5 2.8 SPONGEBOB
6 2.6 SANTA BABY PR
6 2.6 SPONGEBOB
6 2.6 FAIRLY ODD PARENTS
6 2.6 FAIRLY ODD PARENTS
6 2.6 SPONGEBOB