TV ratings: CBS wins with ‘Big Bang Theory’; ‘Sean’ drops

“The Big Bang Theory” was Thursday night’s top program, helping to propel CBS to a ratings win. Drawing an average of nearly 18 million viewers, “Big Bang Theory” rose 4% from last week to a rating of 5.1 in the key 18-49 demographic, according to early numbers from Nielsen.

Will Arnett’s “The Millers” also rose 4% to a 2.7. With a flat “Crazy Ones,” a slightly rising “Two & a Half Men” and a dropping “Elementary” (down 11% week-to-week), CBS was the highest-rated network, drawing a 2.5 demo rating and 10.5 million viewers on average.

On ABC, “Scandal” continued strong into this week as the night’s second highest-rated series among those advertiser-desired young adults. The 10 p.m. Beltway drama starring Kerry Washington ticked up 4% to a 2.9 and drew an audience of 8.95 million. The spinoff “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” was flat with last week’s low of 0.9, while “Grey’s Anatomy” fell a tad to a 2.6.

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In 18-49, a ratings point equals about 1.3 million viewers.

There was no “Voice” lead-in to support NBC’s lineup this week, and the new comedy “Sean Saves the World” saw a drop in its numbers, down 29% in the demo to a 1.0. “The Voice” gave “Sean” a big boost last week, but this time, the 8 p.m. lead-in was a returning “Parks & Recreation,” which has been on hiatus for four weeks. The Pawnee gang drew a 1.2 in 18-49, down about 8% from its most recent original airing. “Sean Saves the World” is now about even with its last non-”Voice”-boosted telecast.

“The Michael J. Fox Show” matched last week’s 1.0. Tying its six-week high in the demo and in total viewership, “Parenthood” was flat with last week at a 1.3 and drew 4.11 million viewers, making it the biggest draw on the network’s Thursday lineup. NBC carried an NFL in Indianapolis, so its stats are subject to change.

Fox’s “X Factor” increased 17% in 18-49 to a 1.4, and 43% in total viewers, but keep in mind that last week’s telecast was especially weak because it was a do-over forced by the previous night’s voting glitch. “Glee” matched last week’s rating of 1.5.

The CW’s “Vampire Diaries” was even with last week’s 1.3 rating, while “Reign” increased 17% to a 0.7.

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ryan.faughnder@latimes.com