Primetime Ratings: AMAs Drop From Last Year's Low

CBS lineup delayed by football

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/19/2012 11:40:52 AM

ABC's broadcast of the 40th Annual American Music Awards struggled on Sunday, posting a 3.4 rating with adults 18-49, according to Nielsen overnight numbers. That was down 21% from last year's lowest-rated telecast. At 7 p.m., America's Funniest Home Videos was up 21% from last week to give ABC an overall 2.9 rating/7 share, good enough for third place.

NBC again won the night with an overall 4.9/12. The Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers game was down 14% in the fast-nationals from last week to a 6.0. Football Night in America was even with last week at 3.0.

CBS' lineup was skewed by 52 minutes in Eastern and Central time zones by football overrun. Official numbers will be released later Monday.

Fox took fourth place with a 2.0/5. The Simpsons was down 22% to a 2.5 and Bob's Burgers fell 33% to a 1.8. At 9 p.m., Family Guy dropped 8% while American Dad was up from its last original two weeks ago to a 2.0. (Note: Last week's lineup was pushed back by NFL overrun by roughly 21 minutes, likely inflating those ratings).