DVRs give 'Dollhouse' nearly a third more viewers

Fox's "Dollhouse" premiered modest.

Then went lower.

And lower.

But what about all those Joss Whedon fans who actually have lives and aren't staying home to watch TV on Friday nights?

Yes, there are some. Lots, in fact.

According to just-released Live+7 DVR data, the "Dollhouse" premiere episode's rating increased 30% once time-shifted viewing from later in the week was added in. "Dollhouse" went from a 2.0 adult demo number to a 2.6. 

"Dollhouse" lead-in "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" gained even more -- 36%.

By comparison, Friday's most-popular show "Ghost Whisperer" gained 21%, "Flashpoint" climbed 11% and "Numbers" was up 14%.

The "Terminator" and "Dollhouse" gains are considered very high increases for time-shifted viewing, even for a Friday night.

UPDATE: For the week, "Terminator" was the biggest gainer, followed by "90210," "Scrubs," "Dollhouse," "Priviledged" and "Life." (Adjusted so they're all rounded to the same point). Here's the list:

TERMINATOR 1.4 adult demo rating to a 1.9 = 36% increase
90210 1.2 to 1.6 = 33%
SCRUBS 2.0 to 2.6 = 30%
DOLLHOUSE  2.0 to 2.6 = 30%
PRIVILEGED 0.7 to 0.9 = 29%
LIFE 1.4 to 1.8 = 29%
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 1.2 to 1.5 = 25%
LOST 4.4 to 5.5 = 25%

Comments

[Matt]

Can't stop the signal.

[Thecolours]

James,including DVR numbers, what's Termiantors demo?

[JK Collins]

Let's hope they help keep the show on in spite of the lousy time slot! I DVR both shows every week.

[SteveH]

I'm not all that impressed with Dollhouse, yet, but I am still one of the recorder watchers. I liked Dushku on BtVS, and had hopes for her to have post-Buffy success. Still, DH seems to be on the Tru Calling path. Intriguing concept, not that well executed. Dushku had great presence, though, just as she has here. I'm still hoping DH will get better. Whether or not it does in my opinion is unimportant. If the DVR exposure holds up, they really should consider an upgrade.

[Katie]

Okay, DOLLHOUSE was DOA for me but Hurrah for Sarah Connor!

[KatieR]

I'd like to see the numbers for hulu viewings. Most of the Whedon fans I know are watching it there.

[jords]

What does this mean in English? That DH has a fighting chance of renewal? Or just additional ammunition for the "Down with Nielsons" crowd? (I'm happy with either and or both, preferably both.)

Good call, KatieR, I'd also like to know how the Hulu and iTunes viewings skew the total.

[Boe]

Dollhouse rules!!! Can't wait for the second half of the season when Joss has complete creative control and doesn't have to make the episodes self contained anymore!

[jimmy]

do networks care about this or not?

[Active Dollhouse]

Great news! Agree w/ KatieR re: Hulu #s

[Matthew]

I download it on Saturday from the UK after it's been on on Friday in the US - and the numbers downloading it for a new show are staggering. They really need to start to re-evaluate how people watch their favourite shows....whether recording them or downloading torrents....the audience is definitely there. Unfortunately, they have commercial considerations to take note of....and I just can't help them there - if I can avoid commercials I will (thank god for the British BBC!). The best way I can help is to buy the DVD's....which of course I will. But I think the days of staying in to watch shows are gone. I even watch Lost the same way, and that is my favourite of the lot. Perhaps with the recession more people will stay in to watch TV....but failing that, this Nielson rating system you Americans use is an utter dinosaur.

[wrf3@stablecross.com]

I watch DH via iTunes. Haven't yet DVR'd it or watched it on-air. Are we being counted?

[Aaron]

Just another person here who DVR's these two shows and watches them on the weekend or early the following week. I hope in particular they keep Terminator on.