'Loser' finale scores for NBC

Reality show a ratings winner

By RICK KISSELL

The two-hour conclusion of weight-loss reality series "The Biggest Loser" was a ratings winner for NBC on Tuesday, lifting the net to first place on the night among young adults for a third straight week.

According to preliminary nationals from Nielsen, "The Biggest Loser 4" wrapped its season with a timeslot-leading 4.6 rating/13 share in adults 18-49 and 11.4 million viewers overall from 9 to 11 p.m. -- the best numbers this season for the show. It also marks the best result in the time period for NBC in 11 months.

Earlier in the evening, night two of NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" averaged a 2.4/7 in 18-49 and 7.7 million viewers overall, about on par with its two-hour average of Monday night. ABC's own multi-night series, gameshow "Duel," improved a bit from its Monday launch to a 2.4/7 in 18-49 and 7.3 million viewers overall from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

CBS was solid from 8 to 10 p.m. with "NCIS" (2.8/8 in 18-49, 12.3 million viewers overall) and "The Unit" (2.8/7 in 18-49, 10.6 million viewers overall) before tailing off at 10 o'clock with "Cane" (1.8/5 in 18-49, 7.2 million viewers overall).

Fox was led by a repeat of "House" at 9 (3.3/9 in 18-49, 9.9 million viewers overall).

Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: NBC, 3.9/11; Fox, 2.7/8; CBS, 2.5/6; ABC, 2.1/6; Univision, 1.4/4; CW, 0.6/2.

In total viewers: CBS, 10.3 million; NBC, 10.2 million; Fox, 7.9 million; ABC, 6.9 million; Univision, 3.2 million; CW, 1.4 million.