"CSI" and "The Mentalist" Win Time Periods in Viewers  

CBS Wins Thursday in Viewers

Rebroadcasts of THE BIG BANG THEORY out-rated first-run comedy competition and CSI and THE MENTALIST both placed first in viewers leading CBS to a Thursday win, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings Jan. 21.

At 8:00 PM, THE BIG BANG THEORY SPECIAL (4.3/07, 6.90m) (R) (S) was second in adults 25-54 (2.7/07) and tied for second in adults 18-49 (2.1/06, with NBC). THE BIG BANG THEORY topped NBC's first run "Community" in households (vs. 3.0/05, +43%), viewers (vs. 4.73m, +46%), adults 25-54 (vs. 2.2/06, +23%) and tied in adults 18-49. 

At 8:30 PM, THE BIG BANG THEORY SPECIAL (4.7/07, 7.48m) (R) (S) was second in viewers, adults 25-54 (3.1/08) and adults 18-49 (2.4/07). THE BIG BANG THEORY beat NBC's first run "Parks & Recreation" in households (vs. 2.7/04, +74%), viewers (vs. 4.35m, +72%), adults 25-54 (vs. 2.1/05, +48%) and adults 18-49 (vs. 2.0/05, +20%). 

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION was first in households (8.8/14), viewers (14.24m), second in both adults 25-54 (4.4/10) and averaged a 3.1/08 in adults 18-49. 

THE MENTALIST was first in households (9.2/15), viewers (14.47m), adults 25-54 (4.2/11) and second in adults 18-49 (3.1/08).    

For the night, CBS was first in households (7.5/12), viewers (11.97m) and tied for first in adults 25-54 (3.8/09, with ABC) while averaging a 2.8/08 in adults 18-49.

Updated Thursday ratings will be available this afternoon.

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Press Contacts:            

Ed Harrison                  818-655-1584             ed.harrison@cbs.com

Jeremy Murphy            212-975-4577             jeremy.murphy@cbs.com