After a month of repeats,
CSI returned slightly lower in the ratings despite an eagerly anticipated cameo appearance by former star William Petersen.
CSI delivered 13.8 million and a 3.0 preliminary adults 18-49 rating, down 9% from its last original episode back in early January (
video of Petersen’s return here).
The crime procedural wasn’t the only show with ratings in the red last night, however, with most shows posting declines. Increased competition likely played a role, since for the first time since the start of 2011 every broadcaster aired first-run episodes across the board. Fox led the night with a steady
American Idol (21.8 million, 7.5).
Bones (10.2 million, 3.3) was down 15% from last week’s high now that
CSI is back.