ABC’S PRIVATE PRACTICE SPIKES IN ITS SEASON FINALE (5/15)

“DWTS Results Show” (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Leaping over its lead-in (“Cougar Town”) at 9:00 p.m. in viewers (+291%) and young adults (+120%) opposite CBS’ season finale of “NCIS: LA,” ABC’s “DWTS Results Show” (12.9 million) outdrew the second hour of NBC’s 2-hour premiere of “America’s Got Talent” by 2.4 million viewers (10.5 million) and the second hour of Fox’s 2-hour “Glee” by 6.9 million viewers (6.0 million).  Actress, author and the host of TV’s “Extra” Maria Menounos was the next celebrity eliminated from the competition this season.

“Private Practice” (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

Spiking in its season finale against increased competition from the second hour of CBS’ 2-hour “NCIS: LA” finale, ABC’s “Private Practice” beat out NBC’s season finale of “Fashion Star” by 2.2 million viewers (7.1 million vs. 4.9 million) and by 13% in Adults 18-49 (1.8/5 vs. 1.6/4) during the 10 o’clock hour.  In addition, the ABC drama ranked No. 2 in its slot with Adults 25-54 and key Women (W18-49/W25-54).

* In its season closer, “Private Practice” shot up over the prior week by 22% in Total Viewers, by 29% in Adults 18-49 and by 30% in Adults 25-54.

A note about increasing DVR penetration and year-to-year rating comparisons: Year-to-year rating comparisons based on the Live + Same Day data stream are distorted by the level of DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample, which has jumped up to 44% currently, from 41% at the same point in 2011. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which may not be reflected in the overnight next day numbers. The only truly valid year-to-year comparison would be one based on the Live + 7 Day metric, once those stats are released by Nielsen.

Source: The Nielsen Company (Fast  Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings), 05/15/12.