'Private Practice' only ratings climber on major networks

Private Practice stood out as the only bright spark in the Thursday night ratings, Nielsen data reveals.

The Kate Walsh drama spinoff, which had 6.6m last week, climbed to 7.1m (2.9) for ABC in the 10pm hour.

Sister show Grey's Anatomy slumped to a season low of 8.1m (3.1) at 9pm, prior to which 5.1m (1.5) watched Wipeout.

Despite being down week-on-week, American Idol's strength (16.5m/5.0) ensured a comfortable Fox victory.

The Big Bang Theory took 15.5m (5.0) for CBS at 8pm, then 10.9m (3.2) watched Rob, and Person of Interest attracted 13.2m (2.9) at 9pm. The Mentalist rounded things off with 13.6m (2.8).

Elsewhere, 30 Rock (3.6m/1.4), Parks and Recreation (3.5m/1.7), The Office (4.3m/2.2) and Up All Night (3m/1.5) all registered disappointing audiences. 10pm's Grimm (2m/0.7) was a repeat.

At The CW, The Vampire Diaries held 2.9m (1.3), and 1.8m (0.8) tuned in for the latest Secret Circle.