Though down significantly in the ratings, "American Idol" nonetheless took the night's top numbers on Wednesday, pushing Fox to an overall win, according to preliminary numbers. ABC's "Modern Family," meanwhile, dipped to a season low.
"Idol," which filled Fox's primetime slate, posted a 4.6 rating/13 share in the key 18-49 demographic, a 14 percent drop from last Wednesday, and drew 14.2 million total viewers, placing Fox at the top of the heap in both categories.
ABC edged out CBS for second place in ratings with a 2.2/6 and took third in total viewers with 6.9 million. The network had its ups and downs throughout the night, starting with "The Middle" at 8 p.m., which slid slightly to a 2.3/7 and had 8.4 million total viewers. "The Neighbors" at 8:30 was up 13 percent for a 1.8/5 and took 6.3 million total viewers. "Modern Family" at 9 dropped off 10 percent from its last original three weeks ago for a 3.8/10 -- a season low -- and had 10.1 million total viewers. "Suburgatory" at 9:30 jumped 17 percent to a 2.1/5 with 5.9 million total viewers. The freshman drama "Nashville" at 10 fell 11 percent to a 1.7/5, tying a season low, and took 5.2 million total viewers.
CBS came in third in ratings and second in total viewers with a 2.1/6 and 10 million. Following a "Person of Interest" repeat, "Criminal Minds" at 9 dropped 13 percent from its last original three weeks ago to tie a series low of 2.7/7 and had 11.8 million total viewers. "CSI" at 10 dropped off slightly for a 2.4/7 and took 10.9 million total viewers.
NBC took fourth in ratings and total viewers with a 1.5/4 and 5 million. "Whitney" at 8 drew a 1.2/4 with 3.5 million total viewers, while "Guys With Kids" at 8:30 ticked up slightly to a 1.2/3 and took 3.2 million total viewers. "Law & Order: SVU" at 9 dipped 12 percent for a 1.5/4 and took 5.2 million total viewers, while "Chicago Fire" fell 14 percent to a 1.8/5 and had 6.5 million total viewers.
At the CW, "Arrow" at 8 climbed 11 percent to a 1.0/3 and took 3 million total viewers, while "Supernatural" the following hour posted a 0.9/2 and grew marginally in total viewers to 2.2 million.