It’s always tough to program opposite a ratings winner, but CBS did just fine Wednesday night against Game 1 of the World Series.
Both “Criminal Minds” and “CSI” actually upped their numbers over the previous week opposite the Cards-Red Sox opener on Fox. “Minds” added 420,000 viewers (to 11.5 million) over the previous week, while the 300th episode of “CSI” — which featured the return of former co-star Marg Helgenberger — added 800,000 viewers over its Oct. 16 episode to clock in with 10.3 million viewers (its largest audience since last April).
Game 1 of the Fall Classic did well on Fox, pulling in 14.4 million viewers despite a lopsided game (an 8-1 Boston victory). Last year’s Game 1 (Giants-Tigers) averaged 12.2 million viewers on Fox.
Elsewhere on the ratings front, ABC’s “The Chew” was up nearly 20 percent in total viewers last week (2.6 million) over the same week last year — and did particularly well in its core female demo (up 39 percent and 28 percent, respectively, in women 18-49 and 25-54 over last year).
And in late-night news, ABC’s “Nightline” won the week in total viewers (1.6 million) — but finished second in the “money” news demo (adults 25-54) to NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”
Emmy opens daytime door
Shows like “Access Hollywood” and “Entertainment Tonight” have traditionally been shut out by the Emmys — but not anymore.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS, or SATAN, if you’re going for the backwards approach), has announced two new Daytime Emmy categories, including “Entertainment News,” which will encompass shows like “AH” and “ET.” It’s the first time this genre will get some love from its TV Academy peers. “It’s gratifying that the academy will finally honor the hard-working individuals in this incredibly competitive genre,” “AH” executive producer Rob Silverstein told me after hearing the news. “Our enthusiasm level for the Daytime Emmys has gone from a 7 to a 10!” The second new category is “Outstanding New Approaches, Drama Series” (daytime dramas with less than 35 original episodes).
Last, but not least . . .
Syfy’s“Face Off” host McKenzie Westmore hosts “Unmask AIDS,” a charity event, this Monday (6-10 p.m.) at Bryant Park Grill (West 40th) . . . USA has renewed “Suits” (Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams) for a fourth season . . . Ch. 4’s Bruce Beck emcees Tom Coughlin’s Jay Fund Foundation’s Champions for Children event Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street . . . Sighted: A rep for Michael J. Fox buying a ski jacket for the sitcom star at REI (in the Puck building) . . . Sophia Bush spotted at Chicago’s Sunda New Asian while filming NBC’s midseason entry “Chicago PD” . . . RedBox Instant’s “Treat Week Promotion” ($1 per download) includes Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow” (redboxinstant.com).