“American Idol” was the most dominant force in primetime again Wednesday, but that comes as no surprise; “Idol” averaged 22.5 million viewers and a 7.8 in the 18-49 demo over two hours.

CBS had reasons for happiness, but also a bump in the road. “Survivor: Redemption Island” drew a 3.3 in the demo, while leadout “Criminal Minds” pulled a 3.4, helping pace the eye net to second for the night. However, after a strong debut last week, the spinoff “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior” dropped 25% of its audience to a 2.5 in the demo. That was still tops for the hour though, and if the new drama can retain that audience, it will likely see a second season come fall.

ABC didn’t have a bright evening, as “Modern Family,” its top-rated show, dropped to a season low 4.1 in the demo. That didn’t help “Mr. Sunshine,” which fell once more to a 2.4 demo. However, a 2.4 is about what “Cougar Town” has been drawing, and against “Idol” competition, is likely enough to be saved. However, “Off the Map’s” 1.7 in the demo leaves little doubt it will not be back next year.

NBC was mostly irrelevant, though “Law and Order: SVU” did tie for first in the final hour of the evening.

8 pm

American Idol (8-10): 7.8 demo, 22.5 million viewers

Survivor: Redemption Island: 3.3 demo, 11.1 million viewers

The Middle: 2.4 demo, 8 million viewers

Minute to Win It (8-10): 1.2 demo, 4.1 million viewers

8:30

Better With You: 1.8 demo, 5.8 million viewers

9 pm

Modern Family: 4.1 demo, 10.3 million viewers

Criminal Minds: 3.4 demo, 13.4 million viewers

9:30

Mr. Sunshine: 2.4 demo, 6.4 million viewers

10 pm

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior: 2.5 demo, 10 million viewers

Law and Order: SVU: 2.5 demo, 8 million viewers

Off the Map: 1.7 demo, 4.8 million viewers

About The Author

Jason Woods is a Blast staff writer

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