Ratings: Big Bang Scores Its Biggest Viewership Yet

The Big Bang Theory just keeps getting bigger and bigger!
The CBS sitcom hit an all-time viewership high Thursday — the first night of February sweeps — with 16.4 million viewers and a 5.4 rating in the adults 18-to-49 demographic. If numbers hold, it would mark Big Bang's second straight win in both categories over the first half-hour of American Idol (15.8 million viewers, 5.0) and its third straight victory over the former Fox juggernaut in the coveted demo. Idol, whose Season 11 numbers are down sharply, averaged 17.12 million viewers and a 5.4 rating for the hour — a season low in the demo.

Ratings: The Big Bang Theory dominates over American Idol

CBS had a huge night overall: Person of Interest hit series highs in viewership (14.9 million) and in the demo (3.3), and The Mentalist won the 10 o'clock hour in both measures as well (13.54 million, 2.8).8 p.m.
CBS: The Big Bang Theory16.4 million viewers (5.3 demo rating); Rob11.28 million viewers (3.4)ABC: Wipeout 5.83 million (1.8)Fox: American Idol 17.12 million (5.4)NBC: 30 Rock 3.21 million (1.3); Parks & Recreation3.65 million (1.8)CW: The Vampire Diaries2.72 million(1.2)

9 p.m.
CBS: Person of Interest 14.9 million viewers (3.3 demo rating)
ABC: Grey's Anatomy 9.64 million (3.5)
FOX: The Finder6.93 million (2.4)
NBC: The Office5.27 million (2.7); Up All Night3.76 million (1.8)
CW: The Secret Circle1.75 million (0.7)

10 p.m.
CBS: The Mentalist13.54 million viewers (2.8 demo rating)
ABC: Private Practice 6.65 million (2.3)
NBC: The Firm 2.98 million (0.8)