Networks’ fingers are crossed

The 2005-06 TV season has just a few more weeks to go, but the broadcast networks are still looking for the ratings that will end it with a bang.

So far it’s been a lackluster May “sweeps” period for the networks, with ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox posting at least small declines in adults ages 18 to 49 compared with the same period a year ago. Through Sunday, Fox is leading the way (with a 3.7 average overall prime-time rating in young adults), thanks in large part to the monster hit “American Idol.” Close behind is CBS (3.6), with ABC (3.2) and NBC (2.9) trailing, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research.

Sunday offered a good snapshot of how so-so the month is shaping up to be. At 9 p.m., ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” drew 21.2 million total viewers (8.5 rating/20 share in 18-49). Make no mistake, those are enviable numbers, but that demographic rating is 16% lower than “Housewives’ ” average rating this season. And “Housewives” has lost nearly one-quarter of its young-adult audience compared with last May’s sweep. However, ABC still easily won the night in total viewers and young adults, and had the most-watched show, “Grey’s Anatomy” (21.7 million).

Other networks are suffering spring blahs too. Sunday’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” on NBC, which competes head to head with “Housewives,” dropped 15% in young adult viewers compared with its previous average this season.

Of course, broadcasters still have plenty of time to play catch-up. Some big events are on the way.

NBC, for example, says goodbye to “Will & Grace” after eight seasons with a heavily promoted series finale next week. And the “Idol” season finale on May 24 is almost certain to pile up one of the biggest TV audiences of the year.

But after the final books are closed, it looks likely that 2005-06 will mark another season in which many broadcasters lost ground.

Channel Island is a blog about the television industry. For the latest posting, go to latimes.com/channelisland. Contact reporter Scott Collins at [email protected].