Criminal Minds on CBS

Wednesday
• The American Idol finale played to a crowd of 27.7 million total viewers, hitting a high of 32.55 mil as Kris got crowned. That audience marks a 9 percent dip from last year, and the show's second-smallest finale draw ever, besting only ... read more 5 Comments

American Idol
8 pm/ET Fox
The epic sing-off signs off in tonight's Season 8 finale. It's been a zigzaggy, sing-songy journey — a four-month, spaced-out odyssey that rocketed through the preliminary auditions (remember Bikini Girl?), the Hollywood rounds, catty group performances and the cuts at the judges' mansion. (Got drama, Tatiana?) Over 100,000 hopefuls auditioned this season, and it all comes down to the Top 2 and the crowning of either Kris Allen or Adam Lambert. On tap is a big pop celebration with special performances, surprise guests and a reunion of the Top 13. From the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

Read on for previews The New Adventures of Old Christine, Criminal Minds, Blueprint America: Road to the Future and Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country. read more 2 Comments

This Thursday's line-up bounced back nicely from that nasty week-ago wane. Here's how each show performed:

8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with 11.73 million total viewers, up 350K week-to-week. Bones places second with 8.83 mil, up 7 percent. Ugly Betty returned to an audience of 6.8 mil, down 10 percent from its last fresh outing. 

In fourth, NBC's Earl (5.27 mil) dipped 230K, while Parks and Recreation was flat at 5.29 mil. Smallville (3.26 mil) saw a 260K gain.

9 pm
CSI was No. 1 in total viewers (15.3 mil, up 850K), while Grey's Anatomy (13.94 mil, up 740K) dominated the demos. NBC's The Office was up a hair, at 7.3 mil, while lead-out 30 Rock (5.97 mil) dropped 380K. Supernatural scared up 2.96 mil, gaining 200 thou. 

10 pm
CBS won the hour with a Criminal Minds repeat, which with an audience of 10.34 million performed 38 percent better than time-slot predecessor Harper's Island (now airing on Saturdays). Private Practice was No. 1 the demos, and wrapped up its second season with 9.85 mil, up 7 percent. (Turn back around, Coop!)

NBC's Southland skidded for a third straight week, this time dropping 16 percent (to 6.68 mil).

Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows? E-mail senior editors Matt, Mickey and Tim at mega_scoop@tvguide.com. read more 16 Comments