• by Wayne Friedman , November 16, 2007

Remember all that fuss about "Kid Nation"? Obviously, the viewers have forgotten.

After being raked over the coals for alleged on- and off-screen issues concerning child safety, CBS has slowly seen the show climb to a 2.4 rating/7 share. This is Nielsen preliminary data for 18-49 viewers, including same-day DVR playback. While these numbers aren't shaking the current TV world, directionally, it's what CBS had hoped for its 8 p.m. show.

Better still was "Criminal Minds"--which turned in a 4.3/11 performance, for the first time edging out ABC's "Private Practice" ratings of 4.2/10 in the 9 p.m. time slot. CBS also chimed in with its usually solid "CSI:NY" outing, climbing to a 3.8/10 number, and winning the 10 p.m. time period.

All this meant that CBS edged out ABC for a surprising Wednesday win during the November sweeps, with a 3.5/9 to ABC's 3.4/9.

ABC's all-rookie Wednesday-night lineup drifted lower than in past weeks. "Pushing Daisies" went to a 3.1/9; "Practice" earned a 4.2; and "Dirty Sexy Money" came in at a 2.9/8.

Next in line was Fox, which was off pace at a 2.9/8 for the night, although it has been improving in recent weeks. "Back to You" moved up a little to a 2.5/7, as did "Til Death" with a 2.7/7. "Kitchen Nightmares" hit a season high at a 3.2/8.

NBC couldn't get a Wednesday show past the 2.5 rating range among 18-49 viewers. Reality show "Phenomenon" was at a 2.0/6; "Bionic Woman" now down to a 2.5/6; and "Life" at a 2.5/7. After starting gangbusters in the premiere, "Bionic" now is a distant fourth in its time slot.

The CW perked up, as is usual on Wednesday night, with "America's Next Top Model" at a 2.6/7 among 18-49 viewers. More importantly, it grabbed the lead for adults 18-34 viewers with a 3.1/9.

All this helped out its rookie show "Gossip Girl," which rose to the best numbers -- a 1.4/4 among 18-49 and a 2.0/5 among 18-34 viewers. CW had a 2.0/5 overall for the night in 18-49.

Univision finished out the bottom with a 1.8/5. Its best was at 9 p.m. with a 2.5 for "Destilando Amor."