The popularity of American Idol may be diminishing in the U.S., but TV’s top talent contest remains a ratings powerhouse with Canadian viewers. During the week of May 21, the season’s final two episodes of Idol were Canada’s top two broadcasts, with more than 2.8 million Canadians tuning in to see Phillip Phillips crowned as the umpteenth “white guy with a guitar” to win American Idol.
The series finale of House claimed the No. 3 spot, with just over 2.1 million viewers tuning in to say goodbye to Hugh Laurie’s misanthropic M.D., while the farewell special that preceded the finale came in a No. 6 with 1.7 million viewers.
The two-part season finale of Dancing With the Stars commanded the fourth and fifth spots, with the Tuesday finale ranking slightly higher than the Monday performance show.
Rounding out the top 10 were the season finale of Glee, CBC’s coverage of the NHL playoffs, CTV’s 6 p.m. newscast and Global’s season premiere of Rookie Blue, which rocketed to 10th place thanks to the guest-star power of “Rocket Man” William Shatner.
Top 10 Shows in Canada May 21-27, 2012 (Courtesy BBM Canada)
1. American Idol — Wednesday (CTV)
2. American Idol — Tuesday (CTV)
3. House — (Global)
4. Dancing With the Stars – Tuesday (CTV)
5. Dancing With the Stars — Monday (CTV)
6. House retrospective special (Global)
7. Glee (Global)
8. NHL Playoffs Round 3 (CBC)
9. CTV Evening News (CTV)
10. Rookie Blue (Global)
