Could someone please explain...

[Caprice]

... how TV ratings work? I don't get it

Will Stargate SG1 have a season 10 has an article in it that mentions Battlestar Galactica getting a 2.6 rating. I presume low numbers aren't good... but what does constitute a good rating? If I don't know what the rating ceiling is I can't acurately define just how bad 2.6 is. LOL

[rac76]

A 2.6 is a good rating for the Sci Fi channel or even UPN. For the four major networks(ABC, CBS, NBC, & FOX), usually anything that low has been cancelled. The average shows usually hovers around 10 or 11. There is soo much competition for the major networks, that they are trying their hardest to create some quality television.

I've read that American Idol had received over 23 million viewers, and Lost receives around the same. But those shows can be accessed by every television viewer in America if they wanted to watch. The problem with Sci Fi, and other cable networks is that not everyone receives it. I personally don't receive HBO, so I haven't seen any of the shows that they offer. I have happen to catch Sex in the City only due to dvds that I've borrowed. So don't panic if you see those numbers for any of the Sci Fi Friday night shows. I think that the shows are good to go for next season!

That's just the jist of it, I'll find some more info for you!

[rac76]

Here are some links explaining it in more detail.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nielsen_Ratings

http://www.nielsenmedia.com/whatratingsmean/

then here is the nielsen ratings homepage
http://www.nielsenmedia.com/index.html

Hope that works for you! I enjoyed reading it myself!

[Seshat]

Here are some links explaining it in more detail.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nielsen_Ratings

http://www.nielsenmedia.com/whatratingsmean/

then here is the nielsen ratings homepage
http://www.nielsenmedia.com/index.html

Hope that works for you! I enjoyed reading it myself!

That was very interesting reading...thank you for the links! I guess my hopes of becoming a Nielsen household someday and having an impact on what America watches are pretty slim...