Ratings Archives: Spring 1994

Covering February 28 to May 29, 1994

As the networks enter the spring, CBS has a commanding lead in the season to date Household ratings. It is two full points ahead of second place ABC and over three points over NBC. The young FOX network is averaging about half the ratings CBS generates.

Some of the new spring, mid-season series to debut are THUNDER ALLEY (ABC), staring Ed Asner. SOMEONE LIKE ME (NBC), with Gabby Hoffman. CHRISTY (CBS), with Kelly Martin began its two season run. The comedy SOUTH CENTRAL (FOX) lead off Tuesdays, for just 10 weeks. The last spinoff from ALL IN THE FAMILY, 704 HAUSER, premiered in April to average ratings. I remembered it stared John Amos, but forgot it featured a young Maura Tierney.

THESE FRIENDS OF MINE, staring Ellen Degeneres, was the first six episodes of her sitcom ELLEN. The series debuted out of ROSEANNE and gathered 26.9 million viewers and ranked 3rd for the week. It settled in its regular spot, after HOME IMPROVEMENT, with 25+ million each week.Personally, I thought the series with an ensemble cast of TFOM was a lot better show than the star focused ELLEN.

In late March, the 66th Oscars were televised to over 45 million viewers, on a Monday night.

It was during this time that THE X FILES started to get popular. It went from an average of 8-10 million viewers and ranking in the high 70s to low 80s, to a series high of 14 million viewers (#61) for its first season finale.

ABC won the May Sweeps period, but CBS took the season crown. NBC finished a distant 3rd and FOX was still trying to gain a following, in 4th place.

Nielsen Broadcast ratings charts for February 28 - May 29, 1994