TV Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' tops all, 'American Idol' struggles

With the Sochi Olympics over, CBS once again returned to the top of the Thursday night ratings and American Idol struggled mightily against original content.

For the night CBS averaged a 2.5 in the key 18-49 demographic, barely beating ABC, but managing a much stronger 10.54 million viewers, reports HitFix. The Big Bang Theory returned to its normal spot atop all other original content with a strong 4.9 in the demo. the Millers was a decent 2.8 in the demo and Two and a Half Men averaged a 2.5 rating. Elementary was strong in total viewers but only managed a weak 1.6 demo rating.

ABC was right behind with a 2.4 in the demo and 7.76 million viewers. The alphabet network started things off with the special Countdown to the Oscars, which didn't really interest anyone and got a weak 1.0 in the demo. Grey's Anatomy was better with a 3.0 in the demo and Scandal's returned atop its timeslot with a 3.3 rating.

Fox struggled on the night, averaging only 6.6 million viewers and a 1.5 in the 18-49 demo, according to The Hollywood Reporter. American Idol started the night off with a new series low at a 2.3 demo rating and Rake continues its usual weekly decline with a 0.8 in the demo.

NBC went from first to fourth on Thursdays and averaged only 3.2 million viewers and a 1.1 in the demo. Community and Parks and Recreation both snagged a 1.0 in the demo, which ties series lows for the both. Hollywood Game Night didn't fare much better in its new spot with a 1.2 in the demo and Parenthood also dipped to a series low with a 1.1 key rating.

The CW had 1.6 million viewers and a 0.7 in the demo off The Vampire Diaries and Reign, which pulled in a 0.9 and 0.5 in the demo, respectively.

image courtesy of CBS

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