Nielsen Top Cable TV Show Ratings, Week Ending February 22

According to Nielsen Media’s cable TV ratings, WWE RAW, The Closer, and Monk attracted the most viewers for the week ending on February 22.

Drawing an average of 6.4 million viewers, WWE RAW was on top this week. In second place, The Closer attracted 5.89 million viewers. Given that it fills the same time slot as hit shows such as Two and a Half Men, Heroes, 24, and The Bachelor- the turnout is quite impressive.

Leading Nickelodeon’s Spectacular by approximately 1.3 million, Disney’s Dadnapped led in children’s programming.

The season finale of Monk came in third place, attracting 5.54 million viewers. USA’s Burn Notice is still holding strong in the top 10. This weeks ratings are as follows:

1. USA - WWE Entertainment
2. TNT - The Closer
3. USA - Monk
4. USA - WWE Entertainment
5. NICK - iCarly
6. USA - NCIS
7. USA - Psych
8. NICK - SpongeBob SquarePants
9. USA - Burn Notice
10. DSNY - Dadnapped

As for broadcast television, ABC’s presentation of the 81st Academy Awards ceremony on February 22 drew 36 million viewers. This number is up 13% from last year’s 32 million. Hugh Jackman hosted this year’s ceremony, held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Among the winners, Slumdog Millionaire won in eight of its ten nominated categories, including Best Picture.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button received 13 nominations, and won in three categories. The Dark Knight received eight nominations, including one for the late Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker. Ledger earned the title of Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Kate Winslet finally got recognition for her role in The Reader, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Dustin Lance Black was named the winner of The Best Writing - Original Screenplay for Milk.