TELEVISION

Ratings: Big Bang, Scandal Rise to New Highs

TV Guide

The Big Bang Theory and Scandal soared to series highs Thursday.

Despite returning competition, Big Bang drew 20 million total viewers and a 6.3 in the 18-to-49 demographic, rising two-tenths from last week's record benchmark. But unlike last week, it didn't boost its lead-outs' numbers.

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On ABC, Scandal's highly anticipated return drew 8.4 million viewers and a 2.8, up 17 percent from its last new episode a month ago. The drama - TVGuide.com users' No. 1 show of 2012 - easily trumped Elementary (11.3 million, 2.4) in the demo. Its lead-ins, Last Resort (5.8 million, 1.2) and Grey's Anatomy (9.2 million, 3.1), were both up. (Catch up with full episodes of Scandal on TVGuide.com and on our app for iOS.)

NBC's comedies were up, save for the timeslot premiere of 1600 Penn (3.8 million, 1.6), which was down six-tenths from its post-Voice sneak peek last month, but was on par with Parks and Recreation's performance in the slot.

8 p.m.

CBS:The Big Bang Theory 19.8 million (6.1); Two and a Half Men 14.3 million (4.2)

ABC:Last Resort 5.8 million (1.2)

Fox:Mobbed 3.2 million (1.2)

NBC:30 Rock3.7 million (1.4); 1600 Penn (R) 3.9 million (1.4)

CW: Critics Choice Movie Awards 1.9 million (0.6) [8-10 p.m.]

9 p.m.

CBS: Person of Interest 15.5 million (3.3)

ABC: Grey's Anatomy 9.2 million (3.1)

Fox:Glee (R) 2 million (0.7)

NBC:The Office 4.5 million (2.2); 1600 Penn (3.8 million, 1.6)

10 p.m.