[phrelin]

As noted in the Ratings thread, "The Big Bang Theory" is beat "American Idol" in the ratings last night.

Today on the AdAge website we have The Show That Beats 'American Idol': Inside the Exploding Popularity of 'The Big Bang Theory' which tells us what's going on in the social media regarding this show:

• According to Bluefin, the average number of social-media comments for the first six episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" in 2012 almost quadrupled in a year-over-year comparison.
• So what do "BBT" fans talk about when they're talking about "BBT"? ...The most common type of comment about the show is more or less a declaration to the world that, hey, I'm watching this show! ...Other comments tend to have to do with quoting funny dialogue and ticking off specific narrative points -- like the "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock" game that the Sheldon character introduced ages ago on the show but which got prominent play again in the Feb. 16 episode. Sample comment: "OMG! Kripke messing with Sheldon through 'Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock'....

"The Big Bang Theory" ratings last night were 5.2/15 - 16.11 million, up from same-week-last-year's 3.8/11 - 12.51. That's a 37% increase in the 18-49 demo and 25% in the 50+ crowd.

 

[jeffshoaf]

IMHO, BBT has consistently been one of the best shows on TV since it's first episode.

 

[Earl Bonovich]

By far one of the best TV shows in the last few years.

 

[Herdfan]

By far one of the best TV shows in the last few years.

And one of the best episodes last night.

 

[dpeters11]

Agreed. Funny how I wouldn't watch it at first, figured there'd be bad geek comments, inaccuracies etc. Boy was I wrong.

 

[spartanstew]

Never watched it and wouldn't have any idea if geek comments were accurate or inaccurate.

 

[RunnerFL]

BBT is hands down the best show out there right now and I hope it continues to crush Idol.

 

[Steve]

BBT is hands down the best show out there right now and I hope it continues to crush Idol.

Thank goodness for DVRs, because I'm a big fan of both shows. After what I thought was a shaky start with the new judges last season, this year's Idol has been great, at least so far. Just my .02.

 

[hdtvfan0001]

BBT is hands down the best show out there right now and I hope it continues to crush Idol.

Ditto.

But as others have pointed out....that's the beauty of having a DVR...people in the same household can see both programs if desired.

 

[dpeters11]

Never watched it and wouldn't have any idea if geek comments were accurate or inaccurate.

Generally even things written on whiteboards have been accurate. They have had real scientists and astronauts as guests, so they haven't ticked off that whole community.

Can't get much better than a real PhD in Neuroscience playing a Neuroscientist as a regular cast member.

 

[Henry]

Thank goodness for DVRs, because I'm a big fan of both shows. After what I thought was a shaky start with the new judges last season, this year's Idol has been great, at least so far. Just my .02.

Make that .04-cents.

 

[Alan Gordon]

Thank goodness for DVRs, because I'm a big fan of both shows. After what I thought was a shaky start with the new judges last season, this year's Idol has been great, at least so far. Just my .02.

Ditto!

TBBT is my FAVORITE comedy on TV, and one of my favorite shows. That being said, I don't have to watch it right away, but AI is something I watch as close to live as I possibly can... not just because of the show, but because it's something I share in common with family and friends who like to discuss and dissect the show/performances with me.

As far as AI being great this year, it depends on how you mean it. I have disagreed with some of the things the show has done this year (editing, directing, decisions, etc.), but I think they have an AWESOME lineup this year. Of the "Top 24", there's 23 of them I'd like to see make it to the "Top 12", and that number may go up depending upon who is brought back Tuesday night (praying it's not Richie Law). Sure, there's some I like better than others, but I really think this is a great year for talent for them.

Not to mention that there is a bonus amount of interest for me since one of the contestants grew up down the road from me...

~Alan