Despite a night of NBC originals, the network found itself in the middle of the pack.  A special Thursday episode of American Idol helped FOX win the demos while CBS was first with the viewers.

8pm

• About 19.6 million were shocked to see Michael Johns booted from American Idol (6.8/19 in 18-49).
• Survivor (11.7 million, 3.8/11) suffered a bit thanks to that other reality show.
• My Name is Earl (3.0/9) kicked off NBC’s night with 7 million; 30 Rock (5.7 million, 2.7/7) fell a bit from there.
• A Desperate Housewives* repeat (1.1/3) had 4.3 million excited for a new episode.
• Smallville* (2.3 million, 0.8/2) was on track with last week.

9pm

• CSI (19.9 million, 5.7/14 in 18-49) was the evening’s most-watched show.
• Don’t Forget the Lyrics (10.9 million, 4.0/10) had a nice night.
• Approximately 9.2 million welcomed the return of The Office (4.8/12); Scrubs (6.6 million, 3.4/8) didn’t do as well.
• A second Desperate Housewives* (6 million, 1.8/5) picked up a little steam.
• Supernatural* (1.7 million, 0.6/2) was down a tick.

10pm

• Without a Trace (14.6 million, 3.9/11 in 18-49) won the hour without a problem.
• ER (3.1/8) had 7.5 million checking in.
• Eli Stone (5.9 million, 1.9/5) improved by 700,000.

*denotes repeat

(You can review last Thursday’s ratings here.)