“Undercover Boss” has helped boost CBS’ Friday night ratings, after delivering the network’s best numbers in a long time. However, despite CBS’ strong performance, the channel had to settle for a Friday night split with ABC for the top spot, as the “20/20” special dedicated to the late Whitney Houston dominated the night among young viewers.
“Undercover Boss” delivered 10.73 million viewers and a 2.4 rating among adults 18-49 for its 8 p.m. Friday premiere. ABC’s “20/20” Whitney Houston Special improved to 8.62 million viewers and achieved an hour-winning 2.3 key demo rating. NBC was third with 4.37 million viewers and 1.1 key demo rating for NBC.
Among adults 18-49, ABC averaged a 1.9 rating, edging out CBS’ 1.8 rating in that demographic. FOX finished in third with a 1.2 rating, with NBC’s 0.9 rating and The CW’s 0.6 rating lagging behind.
Overall, though, CBS dominated the night averaging 10.29 million viewers and a 6.5 rating/11 share. ABC followed in second with a 4.6/8 and 7.13 million viewers. NBC’s 2.3/4 and 3.43 million viewers topped FOX’s 1.9/3 and 3.05 million viewers and CW’s 1.0/2 and 1.64 million viewers.
