The Big Bang Theory was Monday's top-rated show, posting the biggest number of overall viewers in the series' history.
Big Bang was watched by 14.7 million viewers, and dominated the competition in the adults-18-to-49 demographic. The show got a boost from a strong lead-in from Two and Half Men (15.2 million viewers), the night's most-watched show.
CBS' comedies benefited from holiday programming on other networks, as How I Met Your Mother (9.1 million viewers) and Accidentally on Purpose (8.3 million viewers) defeated ABC's Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (8.4 million viewers) and Fox's Carrie Underwood Christmas special (8.1 million viewers over two hours)...
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Tuesday's tallies:
8 pm/ET
NCIS topped the hour with its second-largest audience ever, 18.54 million total viewers. House led the demos, but dipped a bit in viewers, to 12.4 mil.
ABC's Santa Claus came to town and found nearly nine million folks waiting for him, while Biggest Loser placed fourth with about eight mil in its first hour.
9 pm
The Mentalist continues to see bigger and bigger audiences, hitting yet another series high: 18.77 million viewers (a week-to-week surge of 18 percent). And that was with According to Jim (a fourth place-worthy 5.8 mil) now in the mix! In third (behind Biggest Loser's rear end), Fringe slipped a hair, to 8.69 mil.
10 pm
Without a Trace (12.2 million viewers) and SVU (10.3 mil, No. 1 in demos) both enjoyed gains of about 18 percent. Eli Stone sank to 4.93 mil, a 28 percent plunge from its previous, pre-cancellation outing.
TVGuide.com Asks: Why do you like/love The Mentalist? Tell us what you see in the freshman series, after the jump.
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Shatner's Raw Nerve
10 pm/ET Biography
Being on a talk show is often referred to as being in the "hot seat" — and for good reason. The host can ask almost anything, and if the guests are celebs, they might have more skeletons in the closet than most people.
Read on for previews of Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, According to Jim and Real Housewives of Orange County.
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It took a while to adjust to holiday specials airing in November. I remember having only one chance to catch these programs as a kid, and that made them a little more special.As the flood of seasonal mirth begins, it's tricky to sift through all the different programs now available 24/7.When choosing what to watch, avoid any sequels or live-action remakes. They simply don't work.Also look for the four fundamental elements of any killer holiday special:1) Unique characters2) Memorable music 3) A lesson learned and4) A Santa appearance.Here are my top-five television holiday specials of all time.This list does not include any feature films. Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life do not qualify for this list.Honorable mention: Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970).Major points for Fred Astaire, the Winter Warlock, Burgermeister MeisterBurger and "Put One Foot in Front of the Other," which almost made the list. Almost.5) Frosty the Snowman (1969)Happy birthday! Yes, it's fu...
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