ABC Rules Wednesday Night TV, Thanks To CMA Awards

Overall, ABC averaged a 9.7 rating/15 share for the night, thumping the 7.1/11 for second place CBS. FOX was third with a 5.2/7, followed by the 4.2/7 for NBC. The CW trailed with a 1.9/3.

Among adults 18-49, ABC won easily with a 5.0 rating in the key demographic. CBS and FOX tied for second with a 2.9 rating, leaving NBC's 1.8 rating and The CW's 1.4 rating bringing up the rear.

ABC's CMA coverage swept the night, starting with a 9.5/15 in the 8 p.m. hour. FOX finished second with the 6.5/10 for "Bones." CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried" averaged a 4.5/7, topping the 3.4/5 for NBC's "Knight Rider." The CW's "America's Next Top Model" was fifth overall, but beat "Knight Rider" in the 18-49 demo.

At 9 p.m. the CMAs gave ABC a 10.0/15, edging the 9.3/14 for "Criminal Minds" on CBS. FOX was third with a repeat of "House," which outdid the 3.8/6 for "Life" on NBC. "Stylista" lost more than half of its lead-in and had a 1.3/2 for The CW.

The CMAs closed with a 9.5/15 for NBC. CBS was second with the 7.6/12 for "CSI: NY," leaving NBC's "Law & Order" in third.

ZapToIt's Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.