With little competition in the way of original programming from other networks, the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards surged in the ratings, delivering an overall win to CBS, according to preliminary numbers.
CBS took a decisive first place in ratings with a 3.8 rating/10 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and in total viewers with 13.9 million. "60 Minutes" at 7 p.m. posted a 1.4/4 and drew 9.3 million total viewers. The ACM Awards from 8 to 11 jumped 39 percent over last year's ceremony with a 4.3/11 and averaged 15.4 million total viewers, taking the night's top numbers in both categories.
Fox took a distant second place in ratings and fourth in total viewers with a 1.3/4 and 2.8 million. The network aired repeats aside from "The Cleveland Show" at 9:30, which posted a 1.6/4 and drew 3.4 million total viewers.
NBC came in third in ratings and second in total viewers with a 1.2/3 and 3.7 million. Aside from "The Celebrity Apprentice" at 10, which had a 1.4/4 with 4.5 million total viewers, the network aired repeats.
ABC, which aired reruns throughout the night, drew fourth place in ratings and third in total viewers with a 0.7/2 and 3.3 million.