Ratings: Broadcast Finals for October 23, 2012

ABC gave us the season premiere of two of their comedies, HAPPY ENDINGS and the too much title DON'T TRUST THE B- IN APT. #23. Both series came i disappointingly flat.

HAPPY ENDINGS did fair better by virtue of being the lead out program of DANCING WITH THE STARS. The third year comedy posted 5.57 million viewers and a 1.8 rating in A18-49. That represented a drop of 57% in viewers, but just 22% in the demo ratings.

DON'T TRUST THE B (DTTB#23) held onto the demo from HAPPY ENDINGS, but dropped 25% in total viewers. Not a good sign for the sophomore sitcom. I doubt we'll see a back nine order for DTTB#23.

It is nice to see so many sitcoms on the air again. Tuesdays are flooded with them as we get 8 shows on the night. NEW GIRL and GO ON are the top of the crop, but from there down, its ugly. BEN & KATE struggle to get anyone to watch the program. ABC's desision to actually renew HAPPY ENDINGS and DTTB#23 for this season was a mistake, an now they will pay for it with low ratings and a negative impact on the 10pm slot. RAISING HOPE and THE MINDY PROJECT are on ratings life support. THE NEW NORMAL, which somehow got a full season order, is no better than the doomed DTTB#23.

Time	Net	Program	Viewers*	Demo	+/-
8:00	ABC	Dancing With The Stars	12.900	2.3
9:00	ABC	Happy Endings	5.570	1.8	-56.82%
9:30	ABC	Don't Trust the B-	4.200	1.7	-24.60%
10:00	ABC	Private Practice	4.580	1.4	9.05%
8:00	CBS	NCIS	17.780	3.2
9:00	CBS	NCIS: LA	16.530	2.8	-7.03%
10:00	CBS	VEGAS	10.800	1.6	-34.66%
8:00	CW	Hart of Dixie	1.320	0.5
9:00	CW	Emily Owens, M.D.	1.110	0.3	-15.91%
8:00	FOX	Rasing Hope	4.100	1.7
8:30	FOX	Ben & Kate	2.990	1.4	-27.07%
9:00	FOX	New Girl	5.160	2.7	72.58%
9:30	FOX	X-Factor	5.710	2.3	10.66%
8:00	NBC	The Voice	11.220	4.3
9:00	NBC	Go On	6.120	2.4	-45.45%
9:30	NBC	The New Normal	4.330	1.7	-29.25%
10:00	NBC	Parenthood	4.850	1.9	12.01%

* - in millions