'Big Bang' posts big gain

By Nellie Andreeva

"The Big Bang Theory" continues to build on its "Two and a Half Men" lead-in.

Settling into its new Monday 9:30 p.m. time slot, a repeat of the geeky ensemble comedy posted its largest ratings gain on "Two and a Half Men" in the 18-49 demographic: 2.6 rating/7 share vs. 2.3/6 for the veteran comedy starring Charlie Sheen.

On another night dominated by reruns, "Two and a Half Men" (8.3 million viewers) and "Theory" (8.1 million) ranked as the top programs of the night in total viewers and adults 18-49, respectively.

Overall, ABC, the only network to offer fresh content with "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock," won Monday with an average of 7.8 million viewers and a 2.1/6 in 18-49, edging CBS (6.9 million, 2.0/6).

The special was up a notch from its 2007 edition (1.9/6 in the demo) when it also aired against mostly rerun competition and was up significantly from last year (1.4/3) when it faced originals.