Simpsons Channel

Last night’s new episode ‘Postcards From The Wedge’ drew an audience of 5.23 million viewers – dangerously close to its all-time lowest figures. In fact, it had the third-lowest ratings on record. Unlike the previous lows this season, the show did not run against “event television” such as the Grammy’s or a major sporting event. Here’s the breakdown for the half-hour:

CBS – The Amazing Race (10.14 million)
ABC – Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (7.90 million)
NBC – Minute To Win It (6.60 million)
FOX – The Simpsons (5.23 million)

As you can see, the show came fourth in its time slot  against weak competition. A repeat of ‘The Great Wife Hope’ at 8.30pm fared slightly better, with 5.36 million viewers and a new Family Guy at 9.00 had 6.7 million viewers. The biggest event for the night, Undercover Boss on CBS (13.99 million) didn’t start til 9:00pm.  The episode now joins the least-watched list.

1. “Million Dollar Maybe” (season 21) – 5.11 million
2. “Four Great Women and a Manicure” (season 20) – 5.16 million
3. “Postcards From The Wedge” (season 21) 5.23 million
4. “Lisa the Drama Queen” (season 20) – 5.75 million
5. “Coming To Homerica” (season 20) – 5.86 million

A new episode, ‘Stealing First Base’, airs next weekend. If you haven’t already, remember to rate the ‘Postcards From The Wedge’ using our poll below.

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Fox has released a promotional image for the March 28 episode, titled ‘Greatest Story Ever D’ohed’.

The Simpsons vacation in the Holy Land, where Homer is convinced that he is the Messiah — and gets in trouble with the Muslims, the Jews, and the Christians, who all band together, despite their religious differences, to teach Homer a lesson. Sacha Baron Cohen guest stars as Jacob, an eccentric tour guide who shows the the Wailing Wall.

In March last year, Al Jean had this to say of the episode: “I think we’re going to do one next year where they go to the Holy Land as we haven’t been there yet. The premise will be that the Christians, the Jews and Muslims are united in that they all get mad at Homer. It’s the only thing they can agree on.”

Two promotional images have been released for Sunday March 21st’s new episode, “Stealing First Base”.

Lisa’s classmates ostracize her for being an overachiever but the First Lady Michelle Obama (guest voice Angela Bassett) comes to Lisa’s defense. Meanwhile, Bart’s crush Nikki (guest voice Sarah Silverman) sends him mixed signals when she surprises him with a kiss.

The 2010 Winter Olympics continued last night, which meant that overall viewership for the entire Sunday night animation lineup suffered once more. Still, “The Color Yellow”, which took in 6.08 million, was 15% up on last week’s 5.87. Here’s the half-hour breakdown for 8:00pm:

Fox – The Simpsons (6.08 million)
ABC – Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (7.69 million)
CBS – The Amazing Race (9.12 million)
NBC – Winter Olympics 2010 (24.66 million)

A repeat of Family Guy managed to surpass The Simpsons, with 6.30 million; an all-new American Dad took in 5.64 million, and a new The Cleveland Show finished in final place, with ratings of 5.60 million. Fox was fourth overall on the night, and second in the 18-34 demographic.

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Olympic-themed episode ‘Boy Meets Curl’ served as an alternative to the Winter Olympics last night, but the majority of the audience preferred to tune in to the real deal, delivering the show it’s fifth lowest ratings of all time. A total of 5.87 million viewers watched the show, slightly up on this month’s other episode ‘Million Dollar Maybe’, but largely down on average. The show was fourth-placed in its timeslot at 8.00pm. Here’s the half-hour breakdown.

Fox – The Simpsons (5.87 million)
ABC – America’s Funniest Home Videos (7.17 million)
CBS – The Amazing Race (8.90 million)
NBC – Winter Olympics 2010 (28.06 million)

Against even stronger numbers from the Winter Olympics at 9.00 (29.55 million), Family Guy pulled a total of 6.42 million viewers. The Cleveland Show had 4.85 million viewers at 8.30, while American Dad ended the night on 5.23 million viewers. Fox was third overall for the night and second among the 18 – 49 demographic.

Rate the episode below:

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“Boy Meets Curl” premieres tonight at 8:00pm on Fox. The episode is based on the 2010 winter Olympics which is currently taking place in Vancouver, Canada.

Homer takes Marge out for a romantic evening of ice skating and hand-holding, but upon entering the rink, they encounter a curling team practicing. Marge and Homer take to the ice and discover their love for the sport, and soon after, join the curling team and compete with them in the Olympic trials. Team Springfield claims the win and moves on to the 2010 Vancouver Games where Bob Costas (guest-voicing as himself) covers the action. Meanwhile, sleazy vendors introduce Lisa to the world of collecting Olympic pins, and before long, Lisa is hopelessly addicted.

The United States Curling Association are currently holding an auction featuring The Simpsons prizes, in benefit of USA Curling’s growth and development programs. Tying the auction in with this Sunday’s all new episode, “Boy Meets Curl”, the auction features a script from the episode, signed by Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Matt Groening and others, along with a signed 400th episode celebratory poster.

Those interested must register for the auction here. Also up for grabs is an authentic curling stone autographed by the 2010 men’s and women’s U.S. Olympic Team curlers.