On the eve of Christmas Eve, the broadcast networks had no original programming to stuff in viewers’ stockings.
NBC’s rebroadcast of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 8 p.m. was the top-rated telecast of the night on an evening of comprised entirely of reruns. The classic Dr. Seuss animated special drew a 1.2 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo, according to Nielsen overnight numbers.
NBC and CBS tied for the top spot in the demo, each averaging a 0.9 rating and 4 share. CBS led in total viewers, 5.8 million to 4.3 million.
ABC was the night’s No. 3 broadcaster, averaging a 0.8 / 3 and 3.3 million total viewers. Fox was fourth with a 0.4 / 2 and 1.8 million.
The CW drew a 0.3 / 1 and 1 million total.