LOS ANGELES: CBS has won the November sweep in viewers and households, according to Nielsen ratings through Wednesday night's preliminary affiliate based ratings.

The victory was secured Wednesday night when CBS placed first in adults 18-34 and adults 18-49 and a solid second in viewers, households and adults 25-54 on the strength of a special Survivor: Thailand, the best across-the-board performance of the season for The Amazing Race 3 and a special rebroadcast of CSI. In India the shows air on action oriented channel AXN.

An official release informs that the victory marks CBS' first back-to-back November wins in viewers since 1997 and 1998. CBS' winning November sweep performance was accomplished (by its regular schedule) with a minimal amount of stunting compared to last November's win which was fueled by four exceptionally high rated specials. The Network broadcast 86 per cent of its regular schedule, more than any other major network. Comparatively, NBC was at 78 per cent, ABC at 71per cent and Fox at 70 per cent.

CBS finished first in viewers with 13.31 million, followed by NBC 13.08m, ABC 10.88m and Fox 8.16m. In households, CBS also placed first with an 8.7/14, ahead of NBC 8.6/14, ABC 6.9/11 and FOX 5.0/8. In CBS' target demographic of adults 25-54, CBS placed second, averaging a 5.1/12, behind NBC 5.7/13 and ahead of ABC 4.6/11 and FOX 3.5/8. In adults 18-49, CBS finished in a stronger competitive position than last November, just -0.1 rating behind second versus -0.5 of a rating point behind second place last year. CBS averaged a 4.1/11 versus ABC with a 4.2/11. NBC averaged a 5.0/13 and FOX 3.6/9.

Survivor: Thailand was first in households (7.4/13), viewers (12.35m), adults 18-34 (3.5/12), adults 18-49 (4.4/14) and adults 25-54 (4.9/14). The Amazing Race 3 was first in adults 18-34 (3.5/12), adults 18-49 (4.3/12), second in households (5.9/10), viewers (10.29m) and adults 25-54 (4.7/12). CSI was second in households (6.9/12), viewers (10.99m), adults 18-34 (3.9/13, -0.1 behind NBC), adults 18-49 (4.5/13) and adults 25-54 (4.912).