Nellie Andreeva

With most of its main competition in repeats, Fox’s American Idol does feel like the only game in town these days. Last night’s two-hour Top 13 performance show (8.0/22 in adults 18-49, 24.2 million viewers) dominated, up 3% in 18-49 and 6% in total viewers from last Wednesday’s performance show. Versus the comparable telecast last season, Idol was off by just 1% in the demo and up 6% in total viewers. (See Reinventing Idol: Will the Reality Veteran Finish Up In the Ratings Without Simon?)

Against Idol, CBS’ Survivor, just renewed for next season, drew the second-highest rating of the night, a 3.2/9 in 18-49, down 3% from last week. With Criminal Minds a repeat, spinoff Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2.2/6) was down 15% from last week (when it had an original lead-in) for a series low.

Similarly, following a Modern Family repeat, new comedy Mr. Sunshine (1.8/5) was down 25% and is now tracking below Cougar Town in the slot. At 10 PM, struggling new medical drama Off the Map (1.4/4) was down 18% from last week for a series low. (ABC aired The Middle repeats in the 8 PM hour.)

CW’s America’s Next Top Model (2.3 million, 1.3/4 in 18-34) perked up, up 18% from last week in the demo and posting its largest audience this season. Top Model also beat an original of NBC’s Minute to Win It in 18-49 (1.1 vs. 1.0) to finish fourth in that demo at 8 PM. Underperforming reality series Shedding for the Wedding (0.5/2 in 18-34) matched its 18-34 demo number from last week. (NBC aired reruns at 9 PM and 10 PM.)

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.