DVR Ratings Might Not Perform CPR on Dying Shows

• Oct 16, 2007 05:41 PM ET
• by Matt Mitovich

Will time-shifting viewers ride to the rescue of NBC's time-tripping Journeyman? As the first batch of live-plus-seven DVR ratings are digested, network Nielsen-crunchers are careful not to suggest that the observed "lifts" could bring a flatlining show back to life.

While 15 shows saw increases in the million-viewer-plus range, Bionic Woman, Journeyman and Private Practice were the only freshman series to enjoy any measurable increase. Outside of those three, however, no boosts were noted "that would save a show or make a show look even stronger," Fox's scheduling chief tells the Hollywood Reporter. NBC's own research chief echoes that cautious optimism (skepticism?), warning that live-plus-seven "is not the magic bullet that will make a struggling program into a success. They're not going to get a miracle."

Related: DVR Ratings: Grey's, CBS Each Claim Bragging Rights