'Big Bang Theory' At Last Eclipses 'American Idol' Ratings

The race has gotten closer every week, and finally, CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" has lept across the finish line ahead of "American Idol".

"Community" fans? We'll discuss momentarily why you may start getting nervous. There's good reason.

Thursday night marked the first time in five years that the FOX Goliath has met an outright Nielsen defeat, reports Entertainment Weekly today. What's more, the margin was barely what could be called "competitive." The Emmy-winning CBS sitcom brought home 16.1 million viewers and a 5.2 adult demographic rating. "Idol"? Watched by 15.4 million, netting a 4.4 rating. That 14-percent fall presents a new low-tide mark for "Idol."

By the way, the last show that pulled off this feat? "Grey's Anatomy" in 2007. And this time, there's no analyzing half-hours, either. It's a decisive, outright win.

"It would be nice to reign forever as No. 1," Fox alternative president Mike Darnell told EW.com previously. "But if 'Idol' ever becomes a second- or third-place show, it still has a much bigger impact and value than most other shows because it accounts for so many more hours. Obviously all shows come down, but to still be at this level is amazing, and we're really grateful for that."

Now, that being said.....NBC, there's still time to rethink where you air "Community" this March. Run it on Thursdays at 8 PM ET/PT again, and observe the numbers that await it. It's a great show, but look at its rating pre-hiatus and look at what "The Big Bang Theory" just achieved. The math doesn't add up to anything even remotely competitive. There's still time to put mercy bullets in the 10-spots of "Whitney" and "Are You There, Chelsea??" to make room somewhere else for Joel McHale and Co. Please, consider it.

Elsewhere, FOX also aired "The Finder" to 6.2 million viewers and a 2.0 rating - a 9-percent drop.

Back on CBS, "The Big Bang Theory" actually gained one-tenth of a point with its big night. "Rob!" was watched by 10.6 million viewers but still slipped six percent to a 3.0 rating. "Person Of Interest" rose 11 percent on the backs of 14.4 million viewers. Alas, "The Mentalist" hit a season-low 2.5 rating despite 13.2 million viewers.

ABC didn't have a remarkable evening. "Wipeout" earned a 1.5 rating with 5 million viewers, while one-time "Idol"-slayer "Grey's Anatomy" slipped 3 percent to a 3.1 and "Private Practice" sank 15 percent to a 2.2 rating.

The biggest story on NBC's comedy block? Freshman show "Up All Night" rose 20 percent to a 1.8 rating.