'NCIS' ratings ignite
Yes, that title really does belong to the CBS drama "NCIS": The numbers are undeniable. Last Tuesday that crime show about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service reached 18.8 million viewers, more than it ever had before and more than any other show on television for the week.
But that statistic told only part of the "NCIS" success story. Two weeks ago, CBS decided to fill a weak hour, Friday at 8 p.m., with repeats of "NCIS." In both weeks since, the repeat has been the most-watched show on Friday, with more than 11 million viewers each time.
And the cable network USA, which added "NCIS" repeats to its schedule in September, has seen its ratings soar anywhere it places "NCIS." The show has dominated in its regular spot at 7 p.m., and on most nights it is the No. 1 or 2 entertainment show on cable, drawing audiences of more than 4 million.
Competitors privately profess some astonishment at the new popularity of the series because the improvement flies in the face of the recent formula for prime-time success: a grab-people-by-the-throat concept, lots of sex and must-see story elements that compel viewers to watch every episode or lose the thread.
But as shows like that, which tend to be serial dramas, experience a ratings slide, "NCIS" is part of a swing toward more traditional storytelling, the kind of shows that also prove to be valuable assets to their owners because they can play well over and over.
"I don't know if there's a complete swing back to closed-end storytelling," said David Stapf, president of Paramount Network Television, the studio that produces "NCIS." "But those shows certainly seem to be working right now." He added, "I think what really works is the reliability if it."
Recent comments
I ditto all these comments who love NCIS. It certainly is one of our...
suzyk | Nov. 18, 2008 at 6:41 p.m.
My entire family enjoys this show. I am appalled at how sexually...
St. George | Nov. 18, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.
Interesting background on an excellent show. Wish there were more...
All For Good TV | Nov. 18, 2008 at 3:07 p.m.
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