CBS Crests in Dismal TV Season

After winning the total viewership for the 12th consecutive week, CBS is now the first major broadcast network in the black since premiere week, according to The Hollywood Reporter. CBS has averaged 12 million viewers through Dec. 21, up 1% from last year while NBC, Fox and ABC are each down 9%. Though all four networks are still in the red for the important 18-49 adult demographic, CBS is at minus 3%, the closest to breaking even. As ratings declined during a bleak fall broadcast season, the network found success in "NCIS" as well as its new hit "The Mentalist," posting year-to-year gains for the past six weeks.