DWTS Season 10 Ratings – DWTS Beats American Idol!!
From the LA Times:
Since its killer Season 3 in 2004, “American Idol” has been an indomitable ratings force. But now its reign looks jeopardized by … “Dancing With the Stars”?
Well, certainly Season 10 of “DWTS” has gotten off to a potent start, which may be what happenswhen Pamela Anderson, Shannen Doherty and Kate Gosselin show up to dance their feet sore. ABC says that it has emerged as the nation’s No. 1 show because the “DWTS” average audience the last two weeks (23.6 million) has outdrawn — albeit barely — the Tuesday total for “Idol” (23 million) that same fortnight period. This week, the Monday edition of “DWTS” (23 million) beat out both the Tuesday (21.8 million) and Wednesday (20.5 million) editions of “Idol” for the first time ever. And overall, “DWTS” is up 30% this season in total viewers.
Now, this article also points out that AI beats DWTS in the coveted younger adult category, and that 60% of DWTS audience is over 50, compared to 37% of American Idol. But this way of looking at ratings – ie. that the younger people are more desirable has never made any sense to me. Who has the actual MONEY to buy stuff – which, incidentally, is the whole point of commercials? Well, I don’t know many college kids or even late 20′s folks who are flush with cash, that’s for sure.
The fact that this blog is also titled “Idol Times” also says something about the dismissive attitude toward this rather significant (IMO, no matter how you look at it) happening. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Idol SUCKS this season. 
The “up 30%” number is a little deceiving. Since ABC is comparing the miserable last season to this season. If you compare it to season 8 they are up 4%. An increase none-the-less, but let’s compare apples to apples.
This is big news. I’d been seeing them inching closer to American Idol. Pretty amazing really. That’s a lot of viewers.
The coveted market, from what I understand, isn’t so much that those viewers have all the money. Certainly they often don’t have as much money as the older group. However, that’s the age where their purchasing habits are significantly influenced. So, if you get them at that age, then as they get older they’ll keep spending according to those habits. How many old people do you know that have used the same shampoo for the last 20 years. That type of stuff is why the younger group is the “coveted” market for advertisers. At least from what I understand.
The Times’ analysis takes a cynical approach by thinking that folks are tuning in for the negativity (Kate G) and the nudity (Pamela). For my part, I’d say that the show has recaptured some of its earlier fun and camaraderie by having Maksim paired with a wonderful partner, by having Anna T (a lady) with Evan L, by having Ashley C (another gorgeous ladylike dancer) with Buzz Aldrin along with the solid other pairs that are wonderful. I don’t think Lacey or Dmitry or Karina actually lost viewers, but they did contribute to an entirely different vibe on the show. I tend to think that the show is more positive, upbeat, adult and fun this year.
Yer kinda missing the point, Texas. They beat AI AND they had an increase in ratings – hence, the show is not on it’s last legs like quite a few people were so happy (and illogically willing) to point out last season. THAT is the point. 30%…4%…whatever.
They may never beat AI again, but it doesn’t change the fact that the show is showing improvement instead of the opposite.
It looks like American Idol’s streak might finally be over. It doesnt look like AI will beat DWTS until towards the end of the show, when the really good people are on (because, really people. No one has personality on that show anymore. Where’s Adam Lambert when you need him? =P) This is also the last year of Simon Cowell, the only reason the teenagers watch the show. DWTS has a more solid audience.
but this season American Idol is so bad, all the good people are going home( I love Idol but i just can’t stand this seaon), and DWts has a great cast this season, i much prefer dwts this season than Idol.
In my opinion, American Idol has its weakest season ever as far as the singers go. I always had three or four that I couldn’t make my mind up as to who I wanted to vote for. I always tape it and never miss an episode. This year while I have taped some shows, I have not really watched them because the singing is so bad. I think a lot of people might feel this way and are tuning into DWTS. I didn’t even watch Idol this week as I did not want to hear them butcher up the Beatles songs. I think the lack of good singers has people tuning into the dancing.
Mary Ann