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ABC, as Predicted, Takes Sweeps

In spite of the loss of Monday Night Football, ABC managed to comfortably win November sweeps - the first time the network has taken November in seven years.

ABC averaged a 4.1 rating and 11 share among adults 18-49 for the four-week period ended last night (Wednesday), writes Media Life. That put it 0.3 ratings points ahead of CBS, which tied with ABC to win last year.

ABC’s Dancing with the Stars had the month’s two best showings among total viewers, which helped make up for the loss of MNF.

NBC took third place with a 3.7/10, up from a 3.3/9 last year. Fox was fourth at 2.9/8, down from 3.2/9 last year.

ABC has some challenges to overcome if it wants to win the season, however. Its mid-season shows have not been well received, and unlike last year, it will not have the Super Bowl or Bowl Championship series to give it weight. Plus, its two powerhouses, Lost and Desperate Housewives, are both down this season by more than 20 percent.

And, of course, ABC, like the other networks, must compete against Fox’s American Idol come January.