"American Idol" Puts FOX At No. 1 In 2008

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Fewer new episodes of scripted shows have aired this year due to the writers' strike, which has put reality shows in the lead for most millions watching so far for the viewing year of 2007-2008. FOX is in the lead with 30.8 million watching "American Idol" on Tuesdays and 28.9 watching the elimination show on Wednesday.

For the past six years CBS has been strong in the "most viewers of the year" but thanks to reality shows like Idol and "Dancing With the Stars" they will likely lose the season in total viewers.

ABC shows are in third and fourth place thanks to two nights of "Dancing With the Stars" which pulled in 21.7 viewers on Monday and 19.6 million on Tuesday. "Desperate Housewives" pulled in another 18.9 million which puts them as the fifth most watched show of the 2007-2008 year.

According to Nielsen Media Research from September 24, 2007 until March 16, 2008, here are the rest of the most watched shows starting with sixth place and running through 20th: House; The Moment of Truth; CSI; Sunday Night Football; Grey's Anatomy; Survivor: China; Lost; NCIS; Survivor: Micronesia; tied for 15th place is 60 Minutes, Deal or No Deal and CSI: Miami; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; Two and a Half Men; and Heroes.