LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has squeezed past "Wheel of Fortune" in the weekly ratings to become the top syndicated program for the first time since summer 1992.
"Oprah" averaged an 8.1 household rating in the week ended May 22, according to Nielsen Media Research, up 1% from the previous week and up 7% over the year-ago period.
"Wheel" dipped 2% from the previous week to a new season low of 7.9. "Wheel" has been the top syndicated show since the week ending Sept. 19, when "Jeopardy!" was in the No. 1 spot. "Jeopardy!" meanwhile, was flat week-to-week with a 7.1.
"Dr. Phil," meanwhile, as usual came in second to "Oprah" in the talk show category, jumping 4% from the previous week to a 5.9. Several other talkers also saw boosts, including "Live With Regis and Kelly" (3.6, up 6%), "The Jerry Springer Show" (2.3, up 10%), and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" (2.2, up 5%). Among all talkers, "Ellen" is showing the biggest year-to-year improvement with a 10% increase.
Among the entertainment newsmagazines, "Entertainment Tonight" (5.0) dropped slightly, by 2%, but still led the genre, followed by "Inside Edition" (3.3, flat), "The Insider" (2.7, up 4%), "Access Hollywood" (2.5, flat) and "Extra" (2.2, flat).
Six of the seven court shows saw week-to-week increases, led as usual by "Judge Judy" (5.0, up 6%). Among off-network sitcoms, "Everybody Loves Raymond" remained at a 6.6, followed by "Seinfeld" (6.0, up 7%) and "Friends" (5.1, down 4%).
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter | 
06-02-2005, 01:29 PM
